Siddaramaiah Questions Kumaraswamy’s Contribution to Farmers, Highlights Ahinda Welfare Work

By A Staff Reporter

Hassan: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday highlighted his government’s welfare initiatives for marginalised communities while sharply questioning former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy’s contribution to the state’s farmers. Speaking at a public programme in Hassan, Siddaramaiah said his administration has consistently worked to uplift workers, the poor, Dalits, minorities and women through a series of guarantee schemes and targeted welfare measures.

“I played an important role in the organisation of the Ahinda classes,” he said, referring to the coalition of minorities, backward classes and Dalits. “We have given them guarantees and many welfare schemes. Workers, poor, Dalits, minorities and women have benefited from these guarantees aimed at their empowerment.”

The Chief Minister said the schemes were designed to correct long-standing inequities and provide social and financial security to disadvantaged communities. He asserted that the government’s guarantees—ranging from income support to free bus travel for women—had made a measurable impact across districts.

Turning his attention to JD(S) leader and Deputy Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, Siddaramaiah questioned whether he had meaningfully contributed to the welfare of farmers despite belonging to an agrarian family. “HD Kumaraswamy belongs to a farmer's family. What are his contributions to the farming community?” he asked, challenging the JD(S) to point to tangible achievements that have improved the lives of cultivators.