Mangalore : JD(S) chief H D Kumaraswamy said that chief minister Siddharamaiah and state government is least bothered towards affected farmers of the state.

Speaking at the press meet held at Circuit House on Sep 3, Tuesday after visiting the city as part of his tour to districts affected by floods and drought he said that, although the areca growers have incurred huge loss due to the rot disease, CM or other cabinet ministers have not visited the flood and drought affected areas. Now he is planning for the china tour to attract investors.

He also said that when the state has all the opportunities and resources, there is no use of attracting the investors from China.

As an opposition leader during the BJP’s rule, Siddaramaiah commented BJP of being double standard, but now they are repeating same mistakes. Even former CM Yeddyurappa had visited the draught affected in his tenure, but the present CM failed.

Areca growers across Karnataka ahs incurred the total loss of Rs 800 crore in the state. While the estimated loss is Rs 204.28 crore in Shimoga, Rs 57 crore in Udupi, Rs 324 crore in Chikmagalur, Rs 220.75 crore in Mangalore and Rs 5.78 crore in Karwar. But the state government has announced only Rs 25 crore as compensation for areca growers and also not followed the National Calamity Relief Fund (NCRF) guidelines by compensating the amount of Rs 73 crore, he said.

CM Siddhu said that government will build toilets for the poor, but according to the commission report given by the union government stated that state has 90% of the toilets already built.

Congress government is treating various departmental officers as slaves, changing the government offices into sub congress offices. The officers are unable to work with sincerity, he said. He also challenged CM to visit his constituency in Ramnagar and see the administration functioning there.

JDS leaders Amarnath Shetty, MB Sadashiv and others were present.