Latest news with #Vijayendra


New Indian Express
16 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
BJP set to corner state govt over fertilisers shortage in Karnataka assembly monsoon session
BENGALURU: With two weeks left for the commencement of the monsoon session of the legislature, the primary Opposition BJP is all set to corner the Siddaramaiah government over the issue of shortage of fertilisers in Karnataka. The party, by projecting the Congress as anti-farmer, started a statewide protest on Monday. Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra said that the party wants to highlight the plight of farmers of the state in the upcoming monsoon session. 'Fertiliser shortage is a major concern. We will also raise irrigation-related issues. We are meeting next week with the LoPs of both the Houses and other leaders to discuss the issues that we need to take up in both the Houses,' Vijayendra said. The BJP is also planning to put the government on the mat by raising several other issues, including the Bengaluru stampede that claimed 11 lives, the plan to divide Bengaluru into five civic bodies, and the fresh caste census, among others. Hitting out at the State Government, Vijayendra said, 'CM Siddaramaiah and Agriculture Minister N Cheluvarayaswamy are blaming the Union Government for urea shortage. The fact is when the State Government demanded 5.4 lakh MT of urea, the Centre supplied more than 7 lakh MT to Karnataka. The agriculture minister has never bothered to tour the state to know the pulse of farmers... he visits only Bengaluru and Mandya. Farmers are hitting the streets to protest.' The BJP leader said that there was no planning by the Karnataka government to distribute urea. 'This has led to the present crisis. It is an artificial crisis created by the agriculture department. Farmers are paying double the market price for urea,' he said. Meanwhile, Vijayendra alleged that CM Siddaramaiah continues to betray the marginalised sections. In the 2025-26 budget, Vijayendra alleged that Rs 1,896 crore earmarked for the development of SCs/STs was diverted to other programmes, thereby denying justice to these communities. 'The CM's hands are tied in fulfilling poll promises. They are unable to meet their guarantee schemes,' he said, adding that the BJP would raise the issue in the session.


Hans India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Fake seeds: BJP urges Karnataka govt to file criminal case
Bengaluru: Accusingthe ruling Congress of 'failing' Karnataka, state BJP President B Y Vijayendra on Sunday urged the Siddaramaiah-led government to file a criminal case and take strict action against companies that are supplying fake seeds and fertilisers to farmers. He said a police vigilance team should be formed to take strict action against the networks that cheat farmers. Vijayendra later also said that BJP's farmers' wing will hold a state-wide protest on Monday, as he accused the state government of creating 'artificial shortage' of urea in various parts of the state because of its 'mismanagement', leading to 'panic' among farmers. He also alleged that brokers and traders hold stocks. The BJP chief was responding to reports about fake seeds and fertilisers being supplied to farmers in some parts of the state, and protests by farmers in various places alleging a shortage in the supply of urea. 'The efforts to trouble the food-providing farmers and exploit them within the system have been ongoing for a long time. Companies supplying fertilizers and seeds are engaging in the despicable act of sabotaging agricultural activities by providing fake seeds to the enthusiastic farming community that is expecting a good harvest in the backdrop of a promising monsoon this time,' Vijayendra said. 'I urge the government to file a criminal case against such companies in this regard and take strict action, and also to take all necessary measures to ensure that the farming community gets quality seeds and necessary fertilizers in a timely manner,' he said in a post on 'X'. Vijayendra said, in this context, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government, along with agricultural incentive schemes, had taken precautionary measures to protect farmers. 'The state government too needs to take committed steps in this regard, so that the lives of farmers are not affected,' he said. To strengthen the Agriculture Department and to take strict action against the networks that cheat farmers, a police vigilance team should be formed, the BJP leader said. Later speaking to reporters here, Vijayendra said, monsoon started early and even though Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Agriculture Minister N Cheluvarayaswamy were aware, the proper stocking and timely supply of fertilisers to various districts were not ensured, leading to shortage. Alleging that an artificial shortage has been created despite the central government having given sufficient quantities of urea to the state, he said, more than 8,70,000 metric tonnes of urea had been received by Karnataka from the Centre, but only about 5, 30,000 metric tonnes is available in the market. 'What about the rest? The fear is that somewhere there is some kind of hand-in-glove. Brokers and traders are keeping the stocks; it has to be released. The state government is trying to create an artificial shortage. This will not help farmers and that's the reason farmers are upset,' he said Targeting the Congress government, citing media reports about farmers' protest against urea shortage, BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R Ashoka said, the government should have been alert and paid attention towards ensuring storage of necessary amount of fertilizer and its timely distribution, when the monsoon arrived a month in advance this time. Instead, those in the government completely neglected the farmers in the heat of factional fights for power or chair, Ashoka said in a post on 'X'. 'The curse of the farmers will affect this Congress government,' he added.


Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Karnataka BJP demands action against firms selling fake seeds, fertiliser
As farmers across the state staged protests over an alleged shortage of urea and reports of fake agricultural inputs surfaced, the state BJP on Sunday accused the Congress-led government of negligence and demanded immediate action against companies distributing counterfeit seeds and fertilisers. State BJP president BY Vijayendra alleged that the crisis was not the result of supply constraints but a consequence of poor planning by the state government (PTI) State BJP president BY Vijayendra alleged that the crisis was not the result of supply constraints but a consequence of poor planning by the state government. He claimed that despite receiving sufficient quantities of urea from the Centre, the government had failed to ensure proper distribution, causing distress among farmers and panic in several districts. 'The efforts to trouble the food-providing farmers and exploit them within the system have been ongoing for a long time. Companies supplying fertilizers and seeds are engaging in the despicable act of sabotaging agricultural activities by providing fake seeds to the enthusiastic farming community that is expecting a good harvest in the backdrop of a promising monsoon this time,' Vijayendra said. He demanded the registration of criminal cases against such firms and called for a dedicated police vigilance team to investigate and dismantle networks involved in deceiving farmers. 'I urge the government to file a criminal case against such companies in this regard and take strict action, and also to take all necessary measures to ensure that the farming community gets quality seeds and necessary fertilizers in a timely manner,' he added. Vijayendra further said the BJP's farmers' wing would stage statewide protests on Monday to express solidarity with the farming community. According to him, the state received over 870,000 metric tonnes of urea from the Centre, but only around 530,000 metric tonnes had reached the market. He alleged that the remaining quantity was being hoarded by middlemen and traders, with the state government turning a blind eye. 'What about the rest? The fear is that somewhere there is some kind of hand-in-glove. Brokers and traders are keeping the stocks; it has to be released. The state government is trying to create an artificial shortage. This will not help farmers and that's the reason farmers are upset,' he said. The BJP leader claimed the early arrival of the monsoon had worsened the situation. 'This time, mother nature has embraced the farmers through a good monsoon, I urge the government to take all possible precautionary measures to thwart any fraudulent attempts that may disrupt the farmers from enjoying its benefits,' Vijayendra said. Agriculture minister N Chaluvarayaswamy, however, pushed back against the allegations, attributing the pressure on fertiliser supply to a combination of early monsoon and increased cultivation. 'The rains have been good for the past one and a half months. The monsoon arrived early, which has caused some challenges as the dams have filled up sooner than expected. Moreover, the area under cultivation has increased by two lakh hectares. Because of these factors, the demand for fertilizer has gone up. I have urged the chief minister to focus on addressing the farmers' issues instead of criticising them, and requested him to write a letter,' he said. The minister said the global situation had also disrupted supply chains. 'I have already written to minister Pralhad Joshi regarding the disruption in urea supply due to the ongoing conflict in Iran. I've also sent letters to all MPs from the state and the Union ministers representing Karnataka. Yet, Joshi ignored these efforts and instead chose to target Siddaramaiah,' he said. 'I didn't expect them to politicise an issue as serious as agriculture. Fertilizer used to be supplied on time, and we had better stock last season. But currently, there are two or three issues at the central level. Due to the Iran conflict, urea supply has been disrupted, and shipments from China have completely stopped. National-level production is also low,' he said, insisting that the Centre must step up. Chaluvarayaswamy sought to reassure farmers. 'I can criticise too, but that's not what matters right now. What's important is resolving the problems farmers are facing. Farmers need not worry. We will ensure they get whatever they need, whenever they need it. Everyone should remain calm. Even if there's a delay of two days, we'll make sure it's delivered by the third or fourth day,' he added.


Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Vijayendra or no Vijayendra, BJP unity may still prove elusive in Karnataka
Bengaluru: BJP's central leadership faces a catch-22 situation over whether to retain or replace Karnataka unit president BY Vijayendra, with dissent threatening to fracture the party and crimp its chances of a comeback in the 2028 assembly elections. Vijayendra's elevation was seen as a move to keep his father and Lingayat strongman BS Yediyurappa engaged. But a source said: "It has deepened the generational divide. Many seniors feel they are being sidelined, and they are not hiding their resentment anymore. Whether Yediyurappa still commands the same support of the Lingayat community is a million-dollar question." Discontent spiked after Vijayapura legislator Basanagouda Patil Yatnal was expelled for criticising the party brass, but an MLA from the anti-Yediyurappa camp said the fire of discontentment is still raging. "Several MLAs and former ministers feel the party is being run like a private company," the legislator said. "Vijayendra's stint so far has been insignificant. The party did not get desired results in the Lok Sabha polls under his watch. Members are also upset that decisions are being taken unilaterally." You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Former deputy CM KS Eshwarappa has also repeatedly criticised the state unit, insisting BJP is being "hijacked by a small group". by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pirates Climb Aboard Cargo Ship - Watch What The Captain Did Next Tips and Tricks Undo "If things don't change, many will be forced to explore other options," he said. Both Eshwarappa and Yatnal have hinted at forming a separate outfit, and it may take shape if Vijayendra continues as state chief. Though such a move may have limited statewide impact, it could hurt BJP in key constituencies. BJP's high command has not taken a public stance, but party sources confirm that deliberations are on. Union minister V Somanna, former minister Murugesh Nirani, and BJP MP Ramesh Katti are being considered as possible replacements. "It's not just about who comes in. It's about how to handle Yediyurappa and his support base," said political analyst Vishwas Shetty. "It is said Yediyurappa has gone into isolation and is not talking to anyone as he awaits BJP leadership's decision." Congress, buoyed by its 2023 assembly victory, is watching closely. One member said: "They used to accuse Congress of dynasty politics. Now their entire state unit is run by one family. The party is in complete chaos, and people are watching." A senior Congress strategist added that the party is eyeing expansion in BJP strongholds in north Karnataka. "With Yediyurappa's influence waning and internal fights erupting, we see a golden opportunity to build a footprint," he said. Yet, some political thinkers see merit in backing Vijayendra. Prof Harish Ramaswamy said "unity in division and divided opinions and factions" have been a "hallmark" of BJP. "For a party which needs a generational shift in leadership, it cannot but inevitably afford Vijayendra," said Ramaswamy. "He is young, has a lineage, belongs to a forward community — one that has numbers. He is articulate. Knows politics by internship and practice . " Ramaswamy said Vijayendra would need to sharpen his skills while experience would make him wiser. "Parliamentary practice will help him," he said. "He should learn from his father the art of taking partymen along. Shifting leaders often can only breed more factions, thus causing election defeats for a party struggling to establish itself in southern India." Still, many within the party believe that the deeper issue goes beyond leadership. "Vijayendra or no Vijayendra, the unit is no longer united — and that's the real crisis." ———- Quote He (Vijayendra) should learn from his father the art of taking partymen along. Shifting leaders often can only breed more factions, thus causing election defeats for a party struggling to establish itself in southern India -Prof Harish Ramaswamy, political analyst
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
BJP urges K'taka govt to act against firms selling fake seeds, fertilisers
Accusing the ruling Congress of 'failing' Karnataka, state BJP President B Y Vijayendra on Sunday urged the Siddaramaiah-led government to file a criminal case and take strict action against companies that are supplying fake seeds and fertilisers to farmers. He said a police vigilance team should be formed to take strict action against the networks that cheat farmers. The BJP chief was responding to reports about fake seeds and fertilisers being supplied to farmers in some parts of the state. "The efforts to trouble the food-providing farmers and exploit them within the system have been ongoing for a long time. Companies supplying fertilizers and seeds are engaging in the despicable act of sabotaging agricultural activities by providing fake seeds to the enthusiastic farming community that are expecting a good harvest in the backdrop of a promising monsoon this time," Vijayendra said. "I urge the government to file a criminal case against such companies in this regard and take strict action, and also to take all necessary measures to ensure that the farming community gets quality seeds and necessary fertilizers in a timely manner," he said in a post on 'X'. Stating that it should be the government's top priority to ensure that the farming community, which is the largest human resource of the country and who live by trusting nature, does not face any problems, Vijayendra said, in this context, Prime Minister Narendra Modi- led central government, along with agricultural incentive schemes, has taken precautionary measures to protect farmers. "The state government too needs to take committed steps in this regard, so that the lives of farmers are not affected," he said. To strengthen the Agriculture Department and to take strict action against the networks that cheat farmers, a police vigilance team should be formed, the BJP leader said, adding hashtag "CongressFailsKarnataka". "This time, mother nature has embraced the farmers through a good monsoon, I urge the government to take all possible precautionary measures to thwart any fraudulent attempts that may disrupt the farmers from enjoying its benefits." Targeting the Congress government citing media reports about farmers protest in some parts, against urea shortage, BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R Ashoka said, the Congress government should have been alert and paid attention towards ensuring storage of necessary amount of fertilizer and its timely distribution, when the monsoon arrived a month in advance this time. Instead, those in the government completely neglected the farmers in the heat of factional fights for power or chair, Ashoka said in a post on 'X'. "The curse of the farms will affect this Congress government," he added.