A number of Bharatiya Janata Party leaders and farmers were detained on Tuesday during a march towards the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi. The demonstration was held as part of a protest against what participants described as the Congress government’s “anti farmer policies”.
Large crowds began gathering early at the Malini City Grounds, where the march was led by Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra. He was joined by the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, R Ashoka; the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadhi Narayanaswamy; and several MLAs, MLCs and senior party members. Police moved in as the march approached the route leading to the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. Officers detained Vijayendra along with many protesters. Speaking before the march commenced, Vijayendra accused the state government of ignoring rural concerns. He said, “Farmers are struggling and this government is refusing to listen.” Other leaders repeated similar claims at the gathering.
The protest coincided with the winter session of the Karnataka Legislature, which began on 8 December and is scheduled to continue for ten days at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. The session has drawn a significant political presence in Belagavi, adding to the tension surrounding the demonstration. Farmers who joined the march said they wanted immediate attention to issues such as crop support and delayed payments. One farmer stated, “We need solutions, not promises.”
Police later confirmed that detentions were made to prevent what they described as a breach of security near the legislature complex. Authorities have not yet announced whether those held will face further action.
