Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy who is facing wrath from the farmers in the State, in an appealing gesture planted paddy saplings in solidarity on Saturday. He chose Aralukuppe village in Mandya district the heart land of vokkaliga politics sowed paddy saplings in a muddied agriculture field amidst a large gathering.
A Government Press release said Chief Minister’s gesture was to urge the agriculturists not to take any drastic steps like suicide in the face of distress. He was wearing a Dhoti like a farmer and planted saplings at Aralukuppe village. This programme has political and also seen as a move to silence critics in the opposition that he was fully aware of the problems faced by farmers. Before venturing into the field, Kumaraswamy paid his obeisance to lord Hanuman at the local Anjaneya temple.
As soon as Kumaraswamy started sowing the saplings amid a steady drizzle, people thronged the venue to catch a glimpse of the chief minister. Utter commotion prevailed as youth tried to take selfies with him.
later, addressing the gathering, Kumaraswamy said he has concern for farmers as he himself has worked in the agriculture field.
"I know your sufferings. I myself sowed saplings, harvested crops and carried manure on my head..," he said. Kumaraswamy said he has decided to visit one district a month and devote a full day working in the field.
He further said he has prepared a blue print to improve the agriculture sector and a policy was in the offing to increase their income. However, details of the policy cannot be revealed until the cabinet clears it, he said.