Why this farmer is disappointed with Kumaraswamy? 

Amidst the celebrations after the swearing-in ceremony of HD Kumaraswamy, a farmer who had come all the way from Bellary district was disappointed with his favourite leader. N Nagappa, a farmer from Shiraguppa taluk, who had come to witness the august ceremony pointed out that Kumaraswamy did not take oath in the name of farmers.

Nagappa said, "Kumaraswamy did not take oath in the name of farmers. I am disappointed, he forgot to mention farmers today." He also said, "Well, I am a Congress supporter. But have faith in Kumaraswamy that he will save farmers in the state." Indeed, Nagappa is observant of what is missing in HDK's oath. Kumaraswamy took oath in the name of 'God and the people of Karnataka' on Wednesday. By not taking farmers specifically HDK might have played safe on the day of oath-taking. 

In its party manifesto, Janata Dal (Secular ) promised to wave off Rs 53,000 Crore farm loans in cooperative and nationalized banks in a single phase within 24 hours of taking the oath. However, after joining hands with the Congress, Kumaraswamy reportedly changed his statement saying he had promised the loan waiver 'if only the party had won the election with a full majority'. This statement invited wrath from the public a day before the swearing-in ceremony. Rumours were also rife that HDK may not keep his promise, but HDK and his family denied such reports. His supporters and the people of Karnataka are watching HDK's move regarding his commitment to farmers.

The father-son duo hailed as 'Sons of Soil' in Karnataka always known for raising the concerns of farmers. During his first term as chief minister of Karnataka, HDK went a step ahead to reach out the villages with his Grama Vastavya (village stay) programme which was hugely popular in the state. Now, back to power after 10 years, his commitment towards farmers is being watched closely. Kathari Satyanarayana Rao, a BSP candidate from Honnali constituency, said, "As promised in the manifesto, the priority farmers loan wave off. I confident within 24 hours he will wave off loans. Even if it is not possible in initial days, he will do after consultations with the alliance partner."