Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Basavaraj Bommai on Tuesday, 28 April declared that a "farmer-friendly" BJP government will return to power in Karnataka within the next two years, promising to reinstate a raft of agricultural welfare schemes scrapped by the current Congress administration. Bommai made the remarks at a public gathering in Mannangi village, Haveri district.

Key Promises on Farmer Welfare

Addressing residents after participating in the idol installation and kalasharohana ceremony at the Sri Dyamavva Devi Temple and Anjaneya Temple in Mannangi, Bommai outlined specific schemes he said a future BJP government would revive. These include the Raitha Vidyanidhi scholarship programme, diesel subsidies for farmers, and assistance for seeds and fertilisers.

Recalling his own tenure as Chief Minister, Bommai said the Raitha Vidyanidhi scheme had provided scholarships from Class 8 to postgraduate level for children of farmers, benefitting approximately 11 lakh students. "That scheme has now been stopped. However, within two years, a 'farmer-friendly' BJP government will come to power. When that happens, schemes like Raitha Vidyanidhi, diesel subsidy for farmers, and assistance for seeds and fertilisers will be reimplemented," he said.

Religious Awareness and Dharma

Bommai also stressed that religious awareness holds critical importance in contemporary society. "Our lives should be guided by dharma. Justice, ethics, and dharma are essential qualities for every human being. To live by dharma, awareness of it is necessary. Temples play a vital role in nurturing this awareness," he said.

He described the festive atmosphere in Mannangi, noting that multiple temples — including the Maruti Temple, Parameshwara Temple, Dyamavva Temple, and Mayamma Temple — reflect the deeply religious character of the village's residents. "Where there is devotion, there is the presence of the divine. Devotion and culture are the foundation of our country," Bommai added.

Village Development and Agricultural Livelihoods

The former Chief Minister acknowledged that Mannangi's economy is primarily agrarian, with farmers, progressive youth, and women's self-help groups forming the backbone of the community. He urged residents to focus on increasing agricultural incomes and commended the village's industrious spirit.

Bommai also expressed confidence that the temple inauguration and idol installation programmes would conclude smoothly with the blessings of revered religious seers in attendance.

Notable Attendees

The event was attended by prominent religious figures including Sri Sadashiva Mahaswamiji of Hukkeri Mutt, Sri Guru Maheshwara Shivacharya Mahaswamiji of Gurunanjeshwara Mutt in Koodala, and Sri Nanjunda Panditaradhya Shivacharya Mahaswamiji of Gubbi Nanjundeshwara Mutt at Herur. Local leaders including Raju Kunnur and Shobha Nissimagowda were also present.

With Karnataka's next assembly election due by 2028, Bommai's remarks signal that the BJP is already laying the groundwork for its comeback campaign, with farmer welfare and cultural identity positioned as its twin pillars.