The Uttara Karnataka Horata Samiti (UKHS) has called for a bandh across 13 districts of north Karnataka on August 2. The demand for a bandh comes amid a rising clamour for a separate north Karnataka state.
On Wednesday, the president of Samiti, Somashekar Kotambari, alleged that the state government had been ignoring the citizens of North Karnataka's districts.
As per the Samiti president, the state government is giving a "step-motherly treatment" to the districts of North Karnataka.
The forum had earlier had initiated a signature campaign to review public call regarding the formation of a new state for North Karnataka.
"The northern districts of Karnataka have been perpetually neglected and our farmers are facing so many problems. The northern districts have been allotted negligible funds in this year's budget (2018-19). None of the governments in the past have helped north Karnataka and it looks like the same attitude will continue. That's why we are calling for a bandh demanding that North Karnataka be made a separate state," Kotambari said as per the report of The News Minute.
Samiti vs CM HD Kumaraswamy
The Uttara Karnataka Horata Samiti members were upset over the recent statement of Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy regarding the loan waiver schemes for farmers in Koppala.
The CM had said that the people of Koppala must be happy about the loan waiver scheme provided to them by the government. He also stated that he was being kind to them even after knowing that they didn't vote for him.
According to the Samiti, the CM should know that it his duty to serve every citizen of the state. "It is the duty of every elected representative, especially the Chief Minister to act in the interest of the people. He must not hold grudges. How can we be certain of any development if this is the case," said Somashekar Kotambari to the TNM.
The UKHS has appealed various other organisations and activists in the northern part of Karnataka to come forward to support their move.
Demands of UKHS
The committee has asked the state government to appoint an expert panel to look into the demand for a separate North Karnataka state and to submit a report to the Centre for approval.
Also, the Samiti demand an immediate solution of the Mahadayi water dispute and a relief for the farmers surviving in the drought-ridden districts.
The members of Samiti have warned the state, saying, "If they do not take us seriously, we will intensify our agitation and protest outside the home of every minister and MLA."
