From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru/New Delhi, Dec 9: Union Heavy Industries Minister H D Kumaraswamy and his son, JDS Youth President Nikhil Kumaraswamy, called on Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and urged the Centre to take immediate steps for commencing procurement of tobacco this month itself before the commencement of the tobacco from the major tobacco growing countries like Brazil and other Latin American countries.

The Union minister has responded positively to our request in order to help the tobacco farmers in the Mysuru region and other States and the procurement process is expected to commence soon, Nikhil Kumaraswamy told reporters in New Delhi on Monday.

Farmers from regions like Hunsur, H.D. Kote, Periyapatna and K.R. Nagar in Mysuru district cultivate tobacco. However, they have been distressed due to the steep fall in prices. "We highlighted the need for central intervention to support the farmers," Nikhil said.

"I have been in Delhi for the past week, actively working on this matter. Tobacco farmers are not receiving fair prices, and the recent adverse weather conditions have affected crop quality. While companies are offering good rates for premium-grade tobacco, the situation is dire for the rest. Hence, I met Union Minister Piyush Goyal to urge him to assist the farmers," he said.

Nikhil meets Amit Shah on ZP/TP polls

Nikhil said he called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah and spoke to him on the need to continue the BJP-JDS alliance in the forthcoming Zilla panchayat and taluk panchayat elections and he responded positively.

The JDS youth leader also met BJP National General Secretary B L Santhosh and State BJP in charge Radhamohan Das Agarwal and impressed on them the need for continuing the coordination among the two parties.

Nikhil said newly elected Congress MLA C P Yogeshwar, who had defeated him Channapatna by-election, should not have made derogatory remarks against his grandfather and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, which was totally unbecoming of an MLA.

Deve Gowda has been in politics for over 60 years and had been working for the welfare of farmers and also irrigation issues, he said and added that he would abide by the wishes of the party as a loyal and disciplined soldier.

"I am a disciplined soldier of the party. The JD(S) exists because of its values, not because of me. I am aware of my limitations. I am a loyal worker of the party and strive to empower grassroots workers. I work alongside them and follow the guidance of senior leaders," Nikhil added.