Mysuru: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday said he had sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the problems faced by sugarcane growers and the drought situation in the state.

He said he will urge the prime minister to meet an all-party delegation, including opposition leaders, to discuss the issues and find a solution.

“I have sought time to meet the prime minister to discuss the problems of sugarcane growers and drought. I will request him to meet an all-party delegation, including opposition leaders. The opposition leaders had earlier said they would join us, and I hope they will do so now as well,” Shivakumar told reporters at Mysuru airport.

Responding to questions about the ongoing sugarcane growers’ protest, he said he had spoken to the farmers and once again appealed to them to call off their agitation.

“Everyone should sit together and find a solution. There is no point in politicising the issue or criticising anyone. Others may do that, but I will not. As the chief minister, I have a responsibility and cannot merely engage in blame games. I leave that to others. Our objective is to ensure the welfare of farmers and people. The livelihood of farmers is important to us,” he said.

Sugarcane growers from north Karnataka are on a padayatra towards the residence of Union Minister Pralhad Joshi in Hubballi from Belagavi, following a two-day blockade of the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway near Belagavi.

The protesters decided to take their agitation to the Union minister’s doorstep after the Centre failed to give a clear assurance on their demands, despite constituting a committee to examine the issues raised by sugarcane growers.

The farmers are demanding a price of Rs 5,500 per tonne of sugarcane, an increase in the minimum selling price of sugar to Rs 60 per kg, and a revision of ethanol prices, among others.

Asked about demands that the state government should also contribute towards providing a higher support price for sugarcane, Shivakumar said the matter could be discussed.

“There are different farmers in the state, not only sugarcane farmers, and we have to consider everyone’s interests,” he said.

On the arrest of a suspected terrorist in Kalaburagi, the chief minister said the police will be given a free hand to gather information and investigate the case.

“I will give the police complete freedom to collect information and conduct the investigation. We should not make political statements on such issues,” he said.

Asked about BJP and JD(S) leaders’ claims that an alliance government will come to power in Karnataka in 2028, Shivakumar wished them well and took a swipe at JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy.

“May God bless them. Hadn’t he said that he would dissolve his party if it failed to secure a majority? He did not follow through on that statement. What he said about the BJP and the RSS is all there in the flashback. Look at it,” he said.

Shivakumar thanked the people of Karnataka, particularly Mysuru residents, for their cooperation during the Dasara celebrations.

“I thank them for their support. I appeal to people across the state to visit Mysuru, enjoy the festivities and the illumination across the city,” he said.

He said rain had affected the air show during Dasara in Mysuru and expressed hope that weather conditions would improve on Monday.

“The district administration has said the air show will be held tomorrow if the weather cooperates. I also hope to witness it,” he added.

Shivakumar said the chief ministers of Kerala and Telangana were scheduled to visit Mysuru to take part in Dasara celebrations, on his invitation.

He added that he had received an invitation from Andhra Pradesh but could not visit the state as he had travelled to meet sugarcane-growing farmers on Saturday and due to other official commitments.

“I had planned to go there and discuss Tungabadra water-related issues, but I went to meet the sugarcane farmers,” he said.