Bengaluru, May 30: Terming that saving farmers is the priority of the government, Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday held a meeting with farmer leaders and promised to honour his commitment to waive farmers' loans within 15 days.

While speaking to the farmer leaders, Kumaraswamy said, 'Without the blessing of people, but only with blessing of Rahul Gandhi, we've come to power. I'll convince Congress party, but I can only take decision once they approve.'

Kumaraswamy said he along with Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara will discuss the issue with Congress president Rahul Gandhi. The Chief Minister further added saying this is golden opportunity- use it!  “When it’s time for elections, you can vote for anyone. Deputy CM & others are very good. We know politics & how to run govt. Give me time, we'll solve all your problems. But I need time, we'll work together” he said at the meeting with farmer leaders.

To recall, Kumaraswamy who is under attack from the BJP over the alleged delay in fulfilling his pre-poll assurance to the farming community, met representatives of farmers groups and progressive peasants to discuss the problems faced by them. The BJP has been targeting him over the “delay” in keeping that promise, and had called a state-wide bandh on Monday which evoked a lukewarm response.

Kumaraswamy also said he would call a meeting of representatives of nationalised banks in 2-3 days and seek information about farm loans extended by them. To recall, the JD(S) leader had promised to write off agricultural loans totalling a whopping Rs 53,000 crore within 24 hours of coming to power.

The meeting was attended by Parameshwara, deputy leader of opposition in the Assembly Govinda Karajola (BJP), and senior officials of the state government. “We will come to a decision in 15 days. In 15 days, it will get completely implemented….Whatever may be the difficulty, our government is committed to maintaining fiscal discipline, and also saving you (farmers),” Kumaraswamy said. It must be noted that leader of the Opposition B S Yeddyurappa had on Monday threatened action against the state government if it failed to write off farm loans within a week.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 30, 2018 05:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).