Bengalureans Protest In 'Underwear' To Draw Attention To Flood-Affected Karnataka

A pro-Kannada organisation named Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) held an ‘underwear protest’ on Wednesday, at Maurya circle, Bengaluru.

They were demonstrating against the negligence of government officials over the flood relief work in the state as the flood-affected parts of Karnataka have neither received relief funds nor has any relief work started there.

The B S Yediyurappa led BJP state government has been waiting for a “surprise package” from the Centre but after two months of waiting, the central government released just Rs. 1,200 crore as a flood relief fund for the state, opposed to the Rs 3,000 crore requested.

Many KRV workers were seen protesting at Maurya circle wearing nothing but their underwear or, in some cases, pants.

“The Karnataka government, including the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister are not at all worried about the flood situation in Karnataka. Nor are they worried about the relief work which needs to be done in the state for the betterment of the people who lost their lives, houses or lands,” KRV president Harish told ANI.

He went on to say that the ruling party officials are concentrating on campaigning for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly polls.

Harish also demanded the implementation of the Sarojini Mahishi report, which was submitted by a committee constituted in 1984, before this year’s Karnataka Rajyotsava (November 1).

After incessant rainfall in August which inundated the state, over 70 people lost their lives and many are still missing. It has also caused tremendous damage to housing, crops and agricultural land. The delayed and meagre allocations of funds by the state and central governments have adversely affected the aggrieved citizens.

According to the Karnataka government’s assessment, damages to the tune of Rs 35,000 crore were incurred due to the floods in the state this year.

Farmers Let Down In Bengaluru

On October 11, 2019, the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha who had organised a protest demanding the government to release relief funds for crop loss, as per a NewsClick report, were stopped by the police and not allowed to reach the Vidhana Soudha.

Lakshman Sevadi, one of the Deputy Chief Ministers, met the protesting farmers and promised to take their demands to the Chief Minister for discussion in the cabinet but, the farmers demanded that he decide on the spot.

Sevadi, however, left the venue claiming that no announcement could be made when the Assembly was in session.

The neglected farmers are continuing their protest.

Also Read: Flood Affected Kids To Get Admission Without Certificates, Holidays To Compensate On Missed Classes