Tumakuru (Karnataka) [India], June 1 (ANI): BJP MLA B Suresh Gowda on Sunday said the people of Tumakuru district strongly protested against the Hemavati Linking Canal project.

Thousands of farmers in Karnataka held a large protest on Saturday near Gubbi town in Tumakuru district, opposing the start of work on the Hemavathi River Link Canal Project.

He said that the message was sent to the government to stop the project immediately. Gowda said that the district officials said that a temporary halt will be put.

Gowda warned that the project could harm Tumakuru's development and water supply.

Speaking to ANI, B Suresh Gowda said, 'We have given a call that the Hemavati Linking Canal project must be stopped, and whole Tumakuru district participated in the agitation... It went well. We sent a message to the government to stop immediately. District Commissioner and SP intervened and said that a temporary halt will be put... We explained to them what issues this project will cause... G Parmeshwara wants to make Greater Tumakuru... In this process, Tumakuru will not develop, since it also has an increased need for drinking water like Bengaluru. Therefore I request the stoppage of this project... We are willing to sacrifice our lives for the struggle...'

Meanwhile, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on Saturday that the protest against the Hemavati Link Canal project is a political protest.

He said 40 per cent of the work is already done, and the project will not be stopped as it will help farmers. He also accused BJP leaders of trying to create problems.

Speaking to the mediapersons about the protest against the project, DK Shivakumar said, 'That is all a political protest. Nothing is there within the water. We have sorted it out. I have discussed with them. We have a technical report. Everything is over. Already, 40 per cent of the work is over. There is no question of stopping any work. We will continue with it. It will help every farmer in the area... BJP leaders always do that. They are known for creating problems.' (ANI)