Hassan, Jan 24 (NationPress) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy urged the populace to transcend caste divisions and consolidate their efforts against the Congress-led government in Karnataka, underlining that unity is vital for the advancement of the state.

These comments were made during the JD(S) silver jubilee public convention held in Hassan on Saturday.

Kumaraswamy called upon farmers to put aside caste disparities and collaborate for the betterment of Karnataka. He emphasized the enduring dedication of former Prime Minister Deve Gowda to farmer welfare, recalling his tenure as Irrigation Minister for two years and as Chief Minister for 2.5 years.

He revealed that he had waived farm loans totaling Rs 25,000 crore, which allowed the District Cooperative Banks to continue functioning. He challenged the opposition to showcase their contributions to farmers, asserting that he did not request extra funds from the Prime Minister.

Kumaraswamy asked the people of Karnataka, especially those in Hassan district, to reflect on the present circumstances. He remarked that the BJP–JD(S) alliance is functioning effectively and noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has backed his initiatives within the Union Cabinet. He accused the current state government of corruption, neglecting farmers, and focusing on political power plays instead of addressing the needs of farmers.

He pointed out that initiatives to combat government corruption should commence in his own district. He described the silver jubilee as the beginning of a movement against the opposition aimed at securing a prosperous future for Karnataka.

While acknowledging the public's support for his potential bid for Chief Minister in 2028, he emphasized that his primary goal is to steer the state in a positive direction. He reminded the audience of his previous terms as Chief Minister.

Kumaraswamy mentioned that Karnataka possesses abundant resources and funding, yet lacks evident development. He criticized the Congress-led government for questioning the contributions of JD(S) and recognized setbacks in the Lok Sabha elections. He recalled that Deve Gowda's defeat in 1989 was a consequence of political retribution, which was detrimental to the people along the Cauvery River.

Kumaraswamy reiterated Deve Gowda's lifelong commitment to irrigation and farmer welfare in Karnataka. He noted that Deve Gowda, currently in his last session in the Rajya Sabha, has asked for time to address the injustices faced by Karnataka regarding the Cauvery water distribution.

He condemned the state government for overlooking the reported suicides of approximately 2,800 farmers.

“Ahinda families are farmers. I want to challenge Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who claims to support Ahinda politics while betraying farmers. Farmers who cultivated maize and pulses have been left destitute. Brokers are reaping the benefits from government procurement. This is a broker’s government,” he alleged.

Kumaraswamy noted the public's support for his leadership but emphasized that Deve Gowda, having served in office only twice over the last sixty years, has secured significant funding for irrigation projects in both northern and southern Karnataka.

He appealed to farmers in northern Karnataka, highlighting that Deve Gowda's term as Chief Minister in 1994 was crucial in securing the state’s share of Krishna River water. He warned that failing to utilize the allocated water by 2000, as stipulated by the Bachawat Commission, would have severely affected farmers.

“The decisions made by Deve Gowda, including those credited to him, such as raising the height of the Alamatti reservoir and issuing irrigation bonds for funding, were significant. He assured farmers in northern Karnataka that their concerns would be addressed and reaffirmed Deve Gowda's dedication to their welfare. He has no intention of accumulating wealth. I have only one son. My future will be devoted to serving the populace. Congress leaders question the existence of JD(S). The crowd gathered here is the answer. The Congress has to summon people from seven or eight districts to compete with this,” he stated.