JD(S) plea to Govt on fertiliser supply

Bangalore, Jun 6: The Janata Dal(S) in Karnataka today urged the State Government to take immediate steps to ensure adequate supply of fertilisers to farmers. Speaking to newspersons here, Senior JD(S) Leader and Former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy critisised the BJP Government for its alleged failure in handling the volatile situation occurring from shortage of chemical fertilisers due to which farmers were up in the arms against the State Government.

He charged Mr Yeddyurappa, who had taken oath as Chief Minister of the State in the name of farmers, with doing nothing except writing a letter to Prime Minister for the release of fertilisers. Mr Kumaraswamy urged Mr Yeddyurappa to depute a Minister to New Delhi and impress upon the Union Government on urgent need for the fertilisers following early onset of monsoon which led to starting of agriculture operations.

Referring to the recent police excesses on agitating farmers demanding adequate supply of fertilisers, Mr Kumaraswamy described the lathicharge on the hapless ryots as a gift from Mr Yeddyurappa after assuming the Chief Minister's office.

Blaming a section of the media for indulging in propagating false reports that his party legislators were contemplating switch over to the ruling BJP, Mr Kumaraswamy appealed to them not to resort to dividing the party.

''Party legislators cannot be bought over for money or fall prey to any other allurements,'' he claimed.

Replying to questions, Mr Kumaraswamy said the JD(S) was not in favour of bringing down the BJP Government which had assumed office only last week. ''Let us give some time for them to function,'' he added.

UNI