Kasturirangan Report: Farmers’ Interests Will Be Top Priority, Says CM D K Shivakumar

Bengaluru: Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday said the government would take a final decision on the Kasturirangan report after considering the interests of farmers and the public.

Speaking to the media at Aranya Bhavan, Shivakumar said a three-day legislature session would be held from September 21 to 23 to discuss the issue in detail.“The three-day Assembly session has been convened from September 21 to 23 to discuss the Kasturirangan report. A final decision will be taken keeping the interests of farmers in mind,” he said.

He urged all legislators to freely express their views and suggestions during the session and said a decision would be taken in the interest of farmers and the people of Karnataka.

Reacting to a question about Karnataka High Court judges appreciating his visit to an Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), Shivakumar thanked the High Court for recognising the government’s efforts.“I have instructed all ministers to pay attention to APMCs because the government’s position is that ordinary people should not face difficulties for any reason,” he said.

On a police officer’s reported remarks regarding the protection of child labourers, Shivakumar termed the statement unfortunate.“Protecting children is not the responsibility of the Labour Department alone. It is also the responsibility of the Police Department. Both departments must work in coordination to protect children from child labour,” he said.

On the Enforcement Directorate action involving Minister Satish Jarkiholi, the Chief Minister said he had spoken to the minister and assured him of support.“I have given courage to Minister Satish Jarkiholi. He has done nothing wrong and is conducting his business within the legal framework,” Shivakumar said.

He alleged that the developments were politically motivated and claimed that Congress leaders were being selectively targeted by investigative agencies.

“This is a politically driven development. Congress leaders and opposition leaders are being targeted. I am aware that another three or four people could be targeted,” he said.

Shivakumar also alleged that despite accusations involving money transfers and funds being sent to foreign accounts against BJP leaders, no similar action was being taken against them. Asked about the controversy surrounding the singing of Vande Mataram, Shivakumar said the Congress party’s position had remained clear for decades.“Congress respects Vande Mataram, the national flag, the national anthem, freedom, democracy and the Constitution,” he said.

Referring to his earlier appeal for people to surrender illegal firearms, Shivakumar recalled former Chief Minister Ramakrishna Hegde’s initiative on the issue.“Ramakrishna Hegde, who had won from our constituency and later became Chief Minister, had also called upon people during his tenure to surrender illegal firearms to the government. Thousands of people came forward and handed over such weapons to the government,” he said.