Nikhil Kumaraswamy farmers protest November 25 has become a major political flashpoint, with the JD(S) youth wing president announcing a large-scale agitation by farmers from Raichur, Ballari, Koppal and Vijayanagar districts. The protest, scheduled for November 25, demands urgent action from the Congress government to ensure water supply for the second crop.
Addressing reporters at the JD(S) state office, JP Bhavan, Nikhil Kumaraswamy accused the government of adopting “anti-farmer policies” and failing to respond to the severe distress in drought-hit regions. He demanded Rs 50,000 per acre as compensation if water is not released from the Tungabhadra reservoir for the second crop cycle.
Nikhil alleged that the delay in installing new gates at the Tungabhadra dam has deepened the crisis. According to him, erosion of the dam’s crust has already caused thousands of cusecs of water to flow into the sea, yet the government has shown “no urgency” in addressing the damage.
He also criticised the administration for not releasing relief funds following heavy rains.
“How will farmers manage their second crop without water? The government has not responded to any of the issues raised by the farming community,” he said.
Nikhil highlighted that both maize and paddy prices have dropped significantly, while procurement centres remain unopened. He reiterated that the JD(S) would fight alongside farmers until procurement centres are established and water supply is assured.
Around 10 lakh acres across the four districts rely on irrigation from the Tungabhadra reservoir, making timely water release critical for the rabi season.
The JD(S) has now appealed to farmers to join the November 25 agitation to demand water release and financial relief from the state government.