Farmers’ associations want the leaders attending the winter session in Belgaum, commencing on December 4, to live in villages instead of hotels or government guest houses. This initiative aims to provide leaders with firsthand insights into the challenges faced by villagers and farmers, particularly amid the impact of drought.
Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha leader Choonappa Pujari said, “We have more than a thousand members who are willing to host the MLAs and MLCs. I think we can accommodate the 300 legislators. They need not go looking for hotels or guest houses in Belagavi, Dharwad, or even Hubballi.” He was one of the leaders who presented a memorandum to the government on this matter.
He expressed frustration, noting that despite assurances, each winter session of the Assembly pledges to address farmers’ concerns, particularly those related to drought and flood control in the Krishna basin, as well as the non-payment of fair prices for sugarcane producers, yet fails to fulfill these commitments. He added, “We are tired of sending petitions to leaders in the government and the Opposition to speak about us. We thought that offering to host them in our houses may open their eyes to our problems.”
Farmers’ leader Jayashree Gurannanavar said, “We know that most of our legislators are from farming families, but they seem to have forgotten their roots. We just want to revive their memory.”
Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatan leader Shivaleela Misale recalled that some leaders in the past visited her home. “One of the Ministers had a liking for north Karnataka village cuisine. We sent him lunch baskets every day for the two-week long session. We are willing to host any leader of any party in our house for the session. In fact, each member of our Sanghatan will be able to host one or two leaders if they wish to stay. I am sure the police will take care of their security needs,’‘ Ms. Misale said. The Sanghatan announced its intention to forward a plea to the chairpersons of both legislative bodies to communicate this request.
However, some leaders are still unsure and doubtful. Krishik Samaj leader Sidagouda Modagi said, “We have made such appeals in the past, but in vain.” Mr. Modagi added, “In fact, when the then Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy announced that for the first time that the winter session would be held in Belgaum, we demanded the discussions be held in the district stadium as the venue was yet to be built. An open house would also introduce transparency in legislative proceedings and allow farmers to witness what was going on. But our suggestion was laughed at by some leaders and officers.”
Every December, Belagavi, along with nearby cities like Dharwad and Hubballi, accommodates approximately 300 legislators, 600 officials, and around 4,000 police officers and personnel for a 10-day period. The district administration prohibits private hotels, guest houses, and boarding facilities from accepting guests unrelated to the winter session. Following tradition, VVIPs, including the Chief Minister and other Ministers, typically lodge at the VTU guest houses, while senior officers stay at the historic Belgaum Club. Some officers opt for government guest houses or furnished apartments, while others choose private hotels. Temporary shelters are set up across the city for police personnel.
