The winter session of the Karnataka legislature is set to commence in Belagavi on Monday under a cloud of anticipated demonstrations, with a staggering 95 organizations, predominantly farmer groups, having applied for permission to stage protests near the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha (SVS). The state administration has prepared designated sites, including Suvarna Garden and a hill near Konduskoppa, to accommodate the expected influx of demonstrators during the session.
Major Political and Farmer Protests on the Agenda
Leading the charge, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a significant farmers' sit-in protest at the SVS on Tuesday. The party's state president, BY Vijayendra, stated that the demonstration is expected to draw between 15,000 to 20,000 participants. The protest aims to target what the BJP calls the "farmer-unfriendly" policies of the Congress government and will demand comprehensive development for the north Karnataka region.
At a press conference in Bengaluru, Vijayendra outlined several pressing issues. He highlighted delays in installing gates at the Tungabhadra reservoir, which he claimed prevented farmers from sowing second crops, and demanded compensation of Rs 25,000 per acre for the affected cultivators. He also pointed to unresolved problems of sugarcane growers and noted that while ragi farmers produced 5.4 million tons, the government had not initiated procurement centers. Although Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ordered the purchase of 0.5 million tons of ragi, procurement for pulses, green gram, and rice remains pending.
Stringent Security Measures and Traffic Disruptions Expected
Belagavi police and the district administration are coordinating extensively to manage the events. The city police commissioner, Bhushan Gulabrao Borase, warned of significant traffic disruptions, noting that the highway near the SVS sees 16,000 vehicles daily, including trucks and buses. The security apparatus is robust, with over 6,000 police personnel, including six IPS officers, deployed for the session.
Prohibitory orders under BNS 163 have been clamped covering a 3-kilometer radius around the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. Authorities will employ drones for aerial surveillance to maintain order. Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan stated that efforts are being made to resolve issues related to protest permits and to potentially reduce the number of demonstrations. District SP Bhimashankar Guled emphasized strict vigilance, noting that no permission has been granted to the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) to hold protests and that legal action will be taken against anyone creating chaos.
Other Planned Demonstrations and Historical Context
Beyond the BJP's protest, other groups are also mobilizing. Activists from the Panchamasali reservation movement plan to demonstrate on December 10, condemning police action during last year's protests. Additional farmer protests are scheduled for the following day, and authorities expect several more demonstrations throughout the session's duration.
The need for heightened security is underscored by history. Since 2012, winter sessions in Belagavi have witnessed 27 cases of violence or disruption, resulting in injuries to 73 police personnel and 21 civilians. The current measures are a direct response to past incidents, aiming to ensure a peaceful and productive legislative session this year.
