No compromise on loan waiver, says HDK

Mysuru: Speaking to reporters atop the Chamundi Hills here on Wednesday, JD(S) State President and Chief Minister designate H.D. Kumaraswamy dismissed speculations that he was backtracking on farmers’ loan waiver issue. Though he said that he could not take a unilateral decision but had to take his coalition partners into confidence, he nevertheless assured that the loan waiver will not be compromised.

Kumaraswamy said he was committed to his vision of Karnataka, but will also have to implement the programmes in the Congress manifesto. He appealed to the farmers to not commit suicide and abandon their families, in times of distress. He said that he would be accessible for the farmers to address their grievances and promised that the government will take steps to help them.

About the notion that he would patronise only the Vokkaliga community, Kumaraswamy said that he was not restricted to a certain caste or class, but belonged to the 6.5 crore people of Karnataka. “It is my responsibility to provide protection the people of the State as a ‘Janasevak’ and I appeal to the public to give up this obsession with caste,” he added.

He criticised the BJP for observing “Anti-People Mandate Day” by stating that the party was not concerned about the welfare of the people, but only could stir passions and emotions in society for their own political gains.

Kumaraswamy visited the Chamundeshwari temple above the Chamundi Hills to offer his prayers and also sought blessings from the Suttur seer Sri Shivaratri Deshikendra Swamiji. He said that he had become the Chief Minister, despite his party not getting a full mandate and attributed his success to the grace of God.