The Janata Dal (Secular), which has taken an early start in the campaign in the run-up to the Assembly elections slated for April/May, conducted a roadshow in Chamaraja Assembly segment on Sunday.
The former Vice-Chancellor K.S. Rangappa, flanked by JD (S) State president H.D. Kumaraswamy and G.T. Deve Gowda, MLA for Chamundeshwari, participated in the roadshow in what is speculated to be a reiteration of a long-held view that Mr. Rangappa was set to be the party’s candidate from the constituency though it is yet to be officially confirmed.
Speaking ahead of the roadshow, Mr. Kumaraswamy said the JD (S) rally, which began early this month from the Chamundeshwari constituency, has traversed across the region and has received tremendous response from the people.
“People look up to JD (S) with renewed hope and this was apparent even in other places like Belagavi where we conducted a rally and there is a wave in favour of the party,” he said.
The response from the people to the rally has infused a new enthusiasm among the party workers who are engaged in strengthening it from the grassroots and the overall impression is positive, he added.
The JD (S) leader said they had already worked out a blue print to help the farmers in distress and had visited Israel to apprise themselves of the agricultural technology and research being conducted in that country. “Once we return to power, some of these will be implemented here as well for the betterment of the farmers,” he added.
Dismissing reports of differences within the party, Mr. Kumaraswamy said the workers and leaders were united and focussed in returning to power.
On the controversy over the amendments to the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act, Mr. Kumaraswamy described it as an attempt by the Congress to project itself as pro-poor.
“Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has claimed that the amendment was first proposed by the JD (S)-BJP coalition in 2007. But, the Bill I proposed wanted to crack down on quacks besides proposing jail term for them while the grievance committee was to be represented by members from the medical fraternity, including the local heads of the Indian Medical Association,” Mr. Kumaraswamy said, adding that he would raise the issue in the Assembly.