JD(S) to highlight how communalism hit the development in coastal Karnataka

Mangaluru, Dec 29: Former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, who is trying to strengthen Janata Dal (Secular) in coastal Karnataka ahead of 2018 assembly polls, has said that his party would organise a rally in Nehru Maidan on January 9 and would highlight how communalism has hit the development of the coastal belt.

Speaking to reporters, the JD(S) state president claimed that the coastal belt, particularly Mangaluru, has the potential to overtake Bengaluru in development. But the “hidden communal agenda” of the Congress and the BJP was a hindrance for the overall development.

Mr. Kumaraswamy alleged that the two national parties have been exploiting and playing with the sentiments of coastal people on the basis of religion. It has disturbed the social harmony in the belt.

Calling the party’s next month’s meet here as “souharda rally” he said that people from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada and Kodagu would attend it. But anti-social elements having hidden agenda are not welcome to it, he said.

Mr. Kumaraswamy claimed that frequent communal related incidents in the coastal belt have created a fear psychosis among the people.

Such incidents being reported in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi has now spread to Uttara Kannada.

Miscreants setting afire the vehicle of Inspector General of Police (Western Range) in Honnavar recently gave scope for suspicion that the government was “stumbling” in maintaining law and order in the State.

He said that the Janata Dal (Secular) is hopeful of opening its account in the coastal belt in the 2018 Assembly elections. He urged the people to give the party a chance for a change.

Mr. Kumaraswamy said that the State government has not implemented the farm loan waiver announced on June 28 to about 23 lakh farmer families. The government has announced that Rs. 8,000 crore farm loan would be waived. “It is a bogus announcement,” he alleged.