Ankola:  In his most recent statement, Janata Dal (Secular) State president H D Kumaraswamy pledged that if the party was voted to power he would bring the entire State machinery, currently housed in the Vidhana Soudha, to Uttara Kannada district for a month to resolve the forest encroachment cases.

Speaking at a public rally at Jaihind Grounds in Ankola on Monday, in favour of JD(S) Karwar-Ankola candidate Anand Asnotikar, he said the State government has failed to address the issues of farmers and unemployed youths.

He said if JD(S) comes to power, within one month the government will completely waive off the loans of farmers and fishermen. We would also give the old-age pension of Rs 5,000 for people aged above 65.

A special package will also be given to the fishermen of coastal areas. The Hallakki community will be recommended for consideration of Scheduled Tribe.

He said both the national parties in State are accusing each other of looting taxpayers' money.

He asked voters to shun both the parties and give Janata Dal(Secular) a chance to the future of State.

“Rahul Gandhi has been asking former prime minister Deve Gowda to make his stand clear on which side he is. But there is no need for JD(S) to answer that as we are not slaves of Congress,” he said.

Party candidate Anand Asnotikar, Basavaraj Horatti, and other leaders were present on the occasion.