more-in Two issues that have haunted H.D. Kumaraswamy ever since he took over as chief minister — Statehood for north Karnataka and farm loan waiver — were key points in his Independence Day address on Wednesday. The chief minister unfurled the tricolour on the occasion of the 72nd Independence Day at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground in Bengaluru. Reaffirming his commitment of working for development of the entire State, he said that ‘feeble voices’ trying to divide Karnataka have been silenced by the ‘strong will of Kannadigas’. He said that the government was committed to improve the human development index and infrastructure in all districts. He appealed to farmers not to commit suicide and assured that the government was with them. “The government has taken a big step to help farmers through crop loan waiver in cooperative as well as commercial banks to the tune of ?49,000 crore. Already crop loans in the cooperative sector has been waived off, which will help around 20.38 lakh farmers. Soon, the government will issue an order to waive off crop loans in commercial banks,” he said. He added that though several districts have received good rainfall and dams are getting filled, 13 districts are facing a rain deficit this year. Farmers from several districts participated in the Independence Day celebration as special invitees. BOX 1 1000 theatre shows on Gandhi To celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the chief minister said that the government will be organising 1,000 theatre shows named ‘Gandhi - 150, A Theatrical Journey’. The State government has also decided to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago address. BOX 2 On flexes and Aero Show Referring to BBMP’s efforts to make Bengaluru flex-free, the CM said that not just Bengaluru, but the entire State should be made flex-free. He used the occasion to raise the issue of the alleged plan of the Union government to shift Aero India show out of the city. “There has been resistance from the general public against shifting the venue. I have written to the prime minister and defence minister about the issue. I hope the Centre will respond positively to public sentiments.” OPTIONAL CUT FROM HERE Construction of roads In the third phase of State highway project, road length of 3,831 km will be completed and in the fourth phase 2,722 km of highway will be developed at a cost of Rs. 3,480 crore. The chief secretary will coordinate with the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and district administrations to implement the project. Daredevil acts by 'Tornadoes' The 'Tornadoes' team of Army Services Corps enthralled the general public by showcasing various stunts on their bikes. People were on their toes to see the act of the team that has set world records in the past. Breathtaking acts like Ring of Fire, Ladder Lotus and human pyramid on bikes stunned the audience. Prior to this, a team of gymnasts from Madras Engineering Group, who are winners of medals at various events, performed various acts. Programmes on freedom fighters Close to 2,000 students performed a dance to highlight the sacrifice by two prominent freedom fighters from the State — Krantiveera Mundaragi Bheemaraya and Mailara Mahadeva. The students also performed a dance to highlight the victory in the Kargil War.

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