Hassan: Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy addressed a public meeting on the silver jubilee of JD(S) in Hassan on Saturday. He appealed to the people to rise above caste differences and unite to challenge the Congress government in Karnataka.
Unity Key to Karnataka’s Development
Kumaraswamy emphasised that unity is essential for the state’s progress. He urged farmers to forget caste-based discrimination and work together for Karnataka’s development. Highlighting the long-term commitment of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda towards farmers’ welfare, Kumaraswamy recalled his two years as Irrigation Minister and two and a half years as Chief Minister.
He pointed out that Deve Gowda waived agricultural loans worth ₹25,000 crore, which helped district cooperative banks continue functioning. Kumaraswamy challenged the opposition to prove their contributions to farmers, noting that Deve Gowda did not seek additional funds from the Prime Minister at that time.
Criticism of Current Government and Call for Support
Kumaraswamy called on the people of Karnataka, especially those in Hassan district, to reflect on the present situation. He stated that the BJP-JD(S) coalition is working effectively and has the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the central cabinet. He accused the current state government of corruption, neglecting farmers, and being busy in political power struggles instead of addressing farmers’ concerns.
He emphasised that efforts to tackle government corruption should begin from his home district. He described the silver jubilee event as a starting point to face the opposition and work towards Karnataka’s future. While accepting public support for his potential candidature as Chief Minister in 2028, Kumaraswamy stressed that his priority is to steer the state in the right direction, mentioning his prior two terms as Chief Minister.
Focus on Farmer Welfare and Water Issues
Kumaraswamy said Karnataka has sufficient resources and funds but lacks clear signs of development. He criticised the Congress-led government for questioning JD(S) funding and acknowledged the party’s defeat in the Lok Sabha elections. Recalling Deve Gowda’s 1989 defeat due to political vendetta, he noted the significant loss suffered by people living along the Cauvery river.
He highlighted Deve Gowda’s lifelong dedication to irrigation and farmers’ welfare, mentioning that in his final Rajya Sabha session, he sought time to address injustices against Karnataka in Cauvery water distribution. Kumaraswamy accused the state government of ignoring nearly 2,800 farmer suicides.
He questioned Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s claim of following Ahinda politics while betraying farmers, pointing out that maize and pulse farmers have taken to the streets. According to Kumaraswamy, the government benefits middlemen at the cost of farmers, calling it a “government of brokers.”
Appealing to farmers in North Karnataka, Kumaraswamy stressed the importance of Deve Gowda’s Chief Minister tenure in 1994 to secure the state’s share of Krishna river water. He underlined the serious impact on farmers due to non-utilisation of water allocated by the Bachawat Commission until 2000.
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