Farmers are threatening to walk unless a special session resolves the drought

KRRS leader Badagalapura Nagendra (third from right) at a press conference in Mysuru on Sunday. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

The Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) has threatened to hold a massive protest rally in all district headquarters in the state on September 28 if a special session of the state legislature fails to resolve the drought crisis.

KRRS leader Badagalapura Nagendra said at a press conference in Mysuru on Sunday that the farmers would stage demonstrations outside the offices of deputy commissioners in various districts and also elected gherao representatives if they were seen in public.

A three-day special session of the state legislature is scheduled to begin in Bengaluru from September 21.

While welcoming the convening of a special session to discuss the drought in the state, Mr. Nagendra said the session would be meaningless if it failed to result in implementation of programs to address the severe drought situation.

He criticized the central and state governments for their “complete neglect and inhumane approach” to the drought, which the state government says is the worst in 140 years.

Mr. Nagendra said governments were shirking responsibility by citing “outdated norms” for drought assessment. The state government should put aside these “anti-people norms” and use its own resources to provide relief to the drought-affected people, he said.

He demanded that farm loans to farmers be waived, with the Center and the state sharing the cost 50:50. According to him, banks should be restrained in collecting loans.

The government should give top priority to agriculture and ensure at least seven hours of power supply to agricultural pumping sets as promised. Efforts should be made to fill the lakes and reservoirs, he said.

He demanded scientific compensation for crop losses and at the same time asked insurance companies to deposit full crop loss compensation in farmers’ bank accounts. Ensuring drinking water for people and livestock without causing them problems should also be a priority.

He also demanded the supply of fodder for farm animals and the provision of additional ration to the people. Pending payments to farmers for paddy, maize and ragi procured through shopping centers should be immediately deposited in their bank accounts.

To prevent migration of people in search of employment, Mr. Nagendra said that employment under the Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme should be provided near their residence.

He also urged the government to conduct Dasara in a simple manner and cancel the proposed Kambala in Mysuru.

Raitha Sangha district president Hosuru Kumar, organizing secretary Hosakote Basavaraj and officials P. Marankaiah, Mandakalli Mahesh and Netravathi were also present.

Published – 20 Sep 2026 20:24 IST