'Let CM waive farm loans'

Opposition Leader in Legislative Assembly and former chief minister Jagadish Shettar on Sunday dared Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to waive farmers’ loans, before asking the Centre to follow suit.

Speaking to reporters here, Shettar said the chief minister, during his recent visit to the city, had challenged the Central government to waive loans advanced by nationalised banks to farmers up to Rs 22,000 crore. “Let him (Siddaramaiah) take the initiative first,” he said.

The State government has completely failed in lifting the morale of farmers who have been taking extreme steps. The administration has reached its nadir, while corruption has pervaded the system, the opposition leader alleged.

The chief minister is appeasing the party high command by making baseless allegations against the Centre at the time of crisis. “Kalasa-Banduri controversy is yet to be solved due to inept handling of the issue,” he charged.

Shettar said Siddaramaiah’s tenure would definitely prove costly to Congress and benefit BJP. The party is sure to come back to power in the next Legislative Assembly election, he added.

‘BSY is undisputed leader’
To a query on Shivamogga MP B S Yeddyurappa’s plans to return to State politics, Shettar said, “Yeddyurappa is an undisputed leader of the party. All the leaders will work together in the organisational set-up.”

Call to Veerashaivas
Shettar appealed to Veer-ashaivas to follow the ideals of 12th century social reformer Basavanna who propagated an egalitarian society.

Addressing the gathering during Gowri-Ganesha festival organised by Veerashaiva Sajjana Sangha, Shettar said, “Basavanna who founded Veerashaiva religion raised voice against untouchability, inequality between men and women among other ill practices prevailing in the society then. Similarly, the community members should shun sub-castes and contribute to the development of society. Such activities will have a cascading effect in organisation and uplift of the society.”

“Veerashaivas should overcome complex feelings of sub-castes and try to create a better lot. They should also empower poor and promote a whole-hearted feeling,” he added.

Community lauded
MLC and former minister V Somanna lauded the efforts of the community in academic and social fields.

Prizes were distributed to the winners of various competitions organised as part of the festival.