<p>A statement made by Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Sunday seems to have triggered the massive protest launched by the sugarcane farmers in Bengaluru on Monday.</p>.<p>Hours after a meeting with sugarcane farmers in Belagavi was cancelled, farmers laid siege to Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. </p>.<p>Among the protesters was activist Jayashree Gurannavar against whom the chief minister said: "A woman (Jayashree) has criticised me stating that I am not fit to govern the state. How can I be held responsible for some company not paying proper prices for sugarcane four years ago? What is the connection between me and this issue? Where were you sleeping four years ago?"</p>.<p>The statement came in for widespread criticism and may cause trouble in the Monday's Cabinet meeting with Congress ministers expected to raise the issue. </p>.<p>Farmer activist Jayashree had said that police personnel who tried to close the gate, wrapped a chain around her neck. "I am a farmer woman. I am prepared to spill my blood for the cause. The chief minister has gone back on his word," she had remarked.</p>.<p>"I own land at both my parent's and my in-laws' houses. I work in these fields. He (CM) has insulted me for raising my voice for the cause of aggrieved sugarcane farmers," she added.</p>.<p>Farmers organisations and the Opposition BJP have sought an apology from Kumaraswamy. </p>.<p><strong>FOLLOW</strong> Developments <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/liveblog/bengaluru-news-november-19-703729.html" target="_blank">LIVE </a></p>.<p><strong>ALSO READ: </strong><a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/state/kumaraswamy-asks-sugarcane-703750.html" target="_blank">Kumaraswamy asks sugarcane farmers to have 'patience'</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/state/karnatakas-sugarcane-crisis-703743.html" target="_blank">Karnataka's sugarcane crisis explained</a><br /> </p>
<p>A statement made by Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Sunday seems to have triggered the massive protest launched by the sugarcane farmers in Bengaluru on Monday.</p>.<p>Hours after a meeting with sugarcane farmers in Belagavi was cancelled, farmers laid siege to Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. </p>.<p>Among the protesters was activist Jayashree Gurannavar against whom the chief minister said: "A woman (Jayashree) has criticised me stating that I am not fit to govern the state. How can I be held responsible for some company not paying proper prices for sugarcane four years ago? What is the connection between me and this issue? Where were you sleeping four years ago?"</p>.<p>The statement came in for widespread criticism and may cause trouble in the Monday's Cabinet meeting with Congress ministers expected to raise the issue. </p>.<p>Farmer activist Jayashree had said that police personnel who tried to close the gate, wrapped a chain around her neck. "I am a farmer woman. I am prepared to spill my blood for the cause. The chief minister has gone back on his word," she had remarked.</p>.<p>"I own land at both my parent's and my in-laws' houses. I work in these fields. He (CM) has insulted me for raising my voice for the cause of aggrieved sugarcane farmers," she added.</p>.<p>Farmers organisations and the Opposition BJP have sought an apology from Kumaraswamy. </p>.<p><strong>FOLLOW</strong> Developments <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/liveblog/bengaluru-news-november-19-703729.html" target="_blank">LIVE </a></p>.<p><strong>ALSO READ: </strong><a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/state/kumaraswamy-asks-sugarcane-703750.html" target="_blank">Kumaraswamy asks sugarcane farmers to have 'patience'</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/state/karnatakas-sugarcane-crisis-703743.html" target="_blank">Karnataka's sugarcane crisis explained</a><br /> </p>