Janata Darshan only on Saturdays, says H D Kumaraswamy

Bengaluru: Eleven-year-old Lohit, who is suffering from leukemia, may now find it easier to get treatment as the government will  bear the cost.  The boy, who appealed to  Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy for  help during his Janata Darshan at his home office, Krishna, on Saturday, went away with the assurance.  Among the others, who had gathered to meet the Chief Minister with their problems , was a lactating mother, Nagaveni from Tumkauru, who wanted help with her hospital bills. Mr Kumaraswamy promised to release Rs 2 lakh from his relief fund to help her out.

The Chief Minister, who received over a 1,000 petitions during the day, however, informed those present that he would now hold his Janata Darshan only on Saturdays like he did  12 years ago during his last stint as Chief Minister.  

“During the last 100 days I have held a Janata Darshan every day and responded to people’s problems. But from today the Janata Darshan will be held only on Saturdays when I am in Bengaluru. On other days, other development work will receive priority,” he explained, adding that he planned to visit one district headquarters every month. Besides meetings officers, he would listen to public grievances there and spend time with the farmers to create awareness about modern agricultural practices. Mr Kumaraswamy revealed he planned to tour North Karnataka from September 10 to 15.

Meanwhile, Mr  Gowrishankar, administrator of the Shringeri Sharada Peetha, handed over a cheque of Rs. 11 lakh to the Chief Minister’s Calamity Relief Fund for the  victims of floods and landslides in Kodagu.  Seating arrangements had been made for those who arrived for the  Janata Darshan and they were also provided food and water while they waited.  A token system was introduced to avoid a rush and separate arrangements were made for the disabled to meet the Chief Minister.