H.D. Kumaraswamy says his party stands with sugarcane growers

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy declared his political party's solidarity with sugarcane farmers during a press conference in Bengaluru on Tuesday. Reacting to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's assurances to the protesting growers, Mr. Kumaraswamy stated that his party consistently supports the farmers' legitimate demands.

He affirmed that he would personally engage with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi regarding the matter. Mr. Kumaraswamy informed reporters in Hassan on Sunday that Union Minister Joshi, along with the Union Agriculture Minister, had convened a committee to investigate the farmers' concerns. The government awaited the committee's report before taking any further action.

"Let us see what the committee recommends," he remarked. The Union Government was eagerly anticipating the committee's findings. Responding to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's promises to the farmers, Mr. Kumaraswamy expressed disappointment that the Chief Minister had not immediately offered relief, despite visiting the protesters during Dasara festivities.

Instead, Shivakumar had informed the farmers that he would convene a meeting of growers and factory owners after the celebration. "Let us see what decisions he takes after the meeting," Kumaraswamy said. The former Chief Minister pledged that his party would always stand in support of farmers. During his own Chief Ministerial term, Kumaraswamy had waived farm loans, including those from nationalized banks.