HDK turns 59; appeals to people to make him CM again

 JD(S) state president H D Kumaraswamy, who turned 59 on Saturday, made an emotional appeal to the people of the state to bring his party to power and thereby give him an opportunity to serve as the chief minister again.  

Stating that this year had been special for him in more ways than one, Kumaraswamy said that his fighting spirit had been renewed, especially after he underwent a second heart surgery recently.

"I attained rebirth after the surgery. I will dedicate this second phase of my life to the people of the state. Both the Congress and the BJP have been given enough opportunities. I appeal to the people to do the same with the JD(S) and help me come back as the chief minister, so that the party can implement the assurances made in its manifesto," he added.

Kumaraswamy reiterated that crop loan waiver would be effected within 24 hours of his party coming to power. He also said that his party would contest the elections independently, as a coalition government would restrict his party from implementing some tough decisions.

He expressed confidence that his party would win at least 15 out of the 28 Assembly seats in Bengaluru.

The JD(S) leader started his day by paying a visit to the Rajarajeshwari temple along with his wife Anitha Kumaraswamy. After seeking blessings from his parents H D Deve Gowda and Channamma, Kumaraswamy visited the Adichunchanagiri Mutt, where he sought the blessings of the seer Nirmalanandanatha swami.

To mark Kumaraswamy's birthday, JD(S) MLC T A Sharavana opened the second 'Namma Appaji' canteen at the party office - J P Bhavan, which was inaugurated by Kumaraswamy.

Kumaraswamy distributed five ragi de-husking machines to five hoblis in Doddaballapur and wheelchairs to the differently abled.

His followers who made him cut a massive cake with 'H D Kumaraswamy, the next chief minister' imprinted on it, also gifted him a gold ring and a silver bracelet.

Later in the day, Kumaraswamy participated in the launch of the teaser of his son Nikhil Kumaraswamy's film, Kurukshetra.