Dingaleshwar swami joins protest of sugarcane farmers, questions silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Sugarcane growers sitting on the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway at Yerikoppa near Dharwad on October 13, 2026. They are demanding a higher price for sugarcane and a revision of the minimum selling price of sugar. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

As the blockade of National Highways by sugarcane growers entered the second day in various districts of north Karnataka on October 14, Fakira Dingaleshwara Swami, seer of Shirahatti Fakkireshwar mutt, has come out in support of the farmers. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence and address grievances of farmers.

Addressing press persons in Hubballi on October 14, the seer criticised the NDA government at the Centre for failing to address concerns of farmers. He demanded implementation of the recommendations of the M.S. Swaminathan Commission to ensure remunerative prices for agricultural produce.

He said a government that becomes a curse to farmers would not survive. “Farmers feed the nation and sustain religious institutions. They deserve justice, not empty promises,” he said, urging seers, writers, and artistes to raise their voice in support of the farming community.

Questioning Mr. Modi’s silence on the issue, the seer said, “Mr. Modi has been described as a model PM. And a model PM is duty-bound to speak on issues concerning farmers. Mr. Modi should not be like Dhritarashtra but should become ‘Dharmaraya’ to address the demands of farmers.