Former Karnataka Chief Minister and JD(S) President, HD Kumaraswamy, cut short his party meet at Belagavi to take part in the last rites of a farmer from Mandya.

Shivanna, who was debt-ridden committed suicide on Thursday in B Hosur village of Mysuru district’s Mandya taluk.

“The farmer, in his suicide note had written: HD Kumaraswamy is my favourite politician. He should be the next Chief Minister of Karnataka. My last wish is for him to be present during my last rites,” said Mandya Superintendent of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy.

Kumaraswamy, who was in Belagavi district’s Ramdurg to address party workers, was in the middle of his speech when he heard of Shivanna’s death. Moved by the farmer’s plea, the JD(S) leader flew out in a helicopter to Mandya.

“I am going to attend the farmer’s funeral as per his wish,” Kumaraswamy told his party workers and also announced a Rs 1 lakh compensation from his end to the family members.

According to the Mandya SP, Shivanna had taken loans amounting to Rs 5 lakh from private banks and money lenders.

“His paddy crops failed for three consecutive years due to the drought. Recently, he had received a final notice from the bank asking him to repay the loan or face legal consequences. His family members say that the money lenders were also threatening him,” SP Sudheer Kumar Reddy said.

Kumaraswamy visited Shivanna’s family members and offered his condolences.

The senior JD(S) leader promised the farmer’s family that he would raise money and fund the education of Shivanna’s daughter, who is currently pursuing a diploma course.

“The Rs 1 lakh compensation is not a big deal. Helping all of Shivanna’s family members is important. We have to take care of farmers’ families. I will meet them again after raising the funds,” Kumaraswamy told media persons.