JD(S) unveils five-point programme for Karnataka; promises medical assistance up to Rs 40 lakh

These assurances were provided at the conclusion of the 99-day Pancharatna Yatra, which ended with a massive rally in Mysuru.

He further announced that the party would provide assistance of Rs 10,000 per acre for up to 10 acre for farmers to procure seeds and fertilisers under the ‘Raitha Bandhu’ programme. Kumaraswamy also attacked the Congress and the BJP for ‘failing’ to protect the interests of farmers and dubbed the guarantee cards issued by the Congress as ‘duplicate cards’.

Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his frequent visits to the state ahead of elections, he said: “I want to ask the PM, when farmers were in distress during floods (why) did he not visit the state for a single day to address their grievances. Now, you are holding beneficiary meets. You did not do anything for three years.” Even when farmers were dying by suicide owing to crop loss, PM Modi did not utter a word, the JD(S) leader added.

“Compared to the rallies of PM Modi, people attended Pancharatna Yatra even during the late hours… This shows on whose side people of the state are…” he said.

Kumaraswamy also came down hard on Union government schemes such as Swachh Bharat Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), alleging that thousands of crores were being looted under the JJM in the state. The reality of Swachh Bharat can be seen in parts of north Karnataka where women struggle for access to toilets even today, he said.

Urging people not to fall for the assurances made by the BJP and the Congress, he requested people to avoid caste loyalties when voting in the next elections. “Give us one term. We will build your future, the future of your children and the state,” Kumaraswamy said.

On the changed reservation structure in the state, he said it was meaningless owing to widespread corruption in appointments in Karnataka. “Can poor people pay and get jobs? How will any reservation help in such a situation?” he added.

JD(S) national president HD Deve Gowda, who made a rare public appearance despite his poor health, said that he was confident of the party performing well in the election. “Our model is not to divide people along the lines of caste and religion to rule. The British used to do this. Some political parties have continued the practice post-Independence,” the former prime minister said.