BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai has issued a bold warning of a strong protest if a maize procurement centre is not opened quickly in Shiggaon. Speaking on Monday from the Tahsildar's office premises, Mr. Bommai asked, "Must we decide whether the power of farmers is greater than the authority of the State government?" He assured, "I have always stood with farmers in the past and I will continue to stand with them till the end of my life." Nearly 80% of farmers in Shiggaon cultivate maize, and farmer groups demand a fair price to help them financially. Bommai criticized those trying to politicize the protest, saying, "Farmers do not belong to any political party. All political parties instead depend on farmers for power." The Union government has announced a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for maize, and Bommai said it is now the State government's duty to procure the crops directly from farmers. He slammed the State government for focusing only on sugarcane growers and ignoring maize farmers across 20 districts. "The State government claimed it will procure 10 lakh tonnes, while maize is grown on 16 lakh hectares, producing about 54 lakh tonnes," he pointed out. Bommai also accused ethanol companies of buying maize through middlemen instead of farmers, exposing whose interests are being served. He demanded that the Tahsildar submit a report and announce a date to open the maize procurement centre in Shiggaon immediately. He warned, "If this is not done, we will see an intensive protest."