We have not sought support of Congress, says Swaraj India chief

Swaraj India (SI) party president Yogendra Yadav on Wednesday said that the party has not sought the support of either Chief Minister Siddaramaiah or any Congress leader for Darshan Puttannaiah, son of late MLA K S Puttannaiah, contesting from the SI party from Melkote Assembly constituency.

Yadav was in Mandya, as part of his four-day state tour. Addressing media, here, on Wednesday, he said, "SI party has a different political vision for the development of the constituency. However, we welcome whoever extends support to our stand. Accordingly, the party welcomes the Congress party for extending its support to the party candidate. We will release the poll manifesto soon."

It may be recalled that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had extended his support to Darshan Puttannaiah or any other family member of Puttannaiah, contesting from Melkote, while addressing a gathering during 'Hasiru Namana', a programme organised in memory of Puttannaiah.

'Tickets for sale'

Speaking about the farmer's suicide in Mandya district, Yadav said, "It is shocking to learn that Mandya district, which is a green belt and has sufficient irrigation facilities has registered the highest farmer suicides in the state. The ruling Congress government has failed to prevent farmers from committing suicide. The opposition party BJP has totally forgotten its duty. The JD(S) is into opportunistic politics. It has kept the Assembly tickets on sale."

Farmers progress

The Union government is speaking about doubling the profits of the farmers. But the progress of farmers is only 0.44% in the last four years. It is less than a half percent and the farmers are in trouble.

He said that the nationalised banks should waive off farm loans in one go. Law on minimum support price should be implemented. The party would stage a nation-wide protest, urging to fulfil the two demands, Yadav said.

Separate religion

Commenting on the separate religion tag for Lingayats, Yadav said, "The party will not support the Congress government's stand on the issue. It is not possible for the state government to take a decision in this regard. A national policy should be implemented for it."