Over 28 districts facing severe drought, release Rs 10,000 crore relief: Karnataka BJP to Congress govt

Tumakuru: Urging the Congress government to set aside politics and take immediate relief measures to save farmers from the worsening drought, Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra on Tuesday demanded that the state government immediately release a special relief package of Rs 10,000 crore instead of waiting for financial assistance from the Centre.

Addressing the media after visiting drought-hit villages in Tumakuru district, Vijayendra said more than 28 districts in Karnataka were facing severe drought due to inadequate rainfall, leaving farmers in deep distress.

He said the state government should discharge its primary responsibility by extending immediate relief to farmers before seeking Central assistance.

"The lives of farmers must be the government's first priority. Politics should be set aside, and immediate relief measures must be taken to protect them," he said.

Vijayendra said the BJP had constituted seven study teams to assess the ground situation across Karnataka. The teams are visiting different districts, interacting with farmers and inspecting crop conditions to understand the extent of drought and bring the farmers' plight to the government's attention.

He urged the government to declare all taluks in Tumakuru district as drought-affected, stating that almost all 10 taluks had received deficient rainfall.

According to Vijayendra, farmers cultivating coconut, ragi, fruits and vegetables have suffered heavy losses. In several areas, sowing has not commenced due to lack of rain, while crops sown earlier have failed to germinate.

The BJP leader demanded that the state government immediately announce a Rs 10,000 crore special relief package for drought-hit farmers.

He said the Congress government should not remain idle after merely writing to the Centre for financial assistance but should utilise state resources to provide immediate relief.

"The process of obtaining Central assistance can continue simultaneously, but the state government's foremost responsibility is to protect farmers," he said.

Vijayendra also demanded that the state government bear the farmers' share of crop insurance premiums, arguing that many farmers no longer had the financial capacity to pay due to crop losses.

He urged the government to allocate at least Rs 50 lakh to each taluk in Tumakuru district to facilitate payment of crop insurance premiums.

Expressing concern over the drinking water situation, Vijayendra said water levels in major reservoirs, including Hemavathi, had declined significantly, while lakes and tanks were drying up.

He said rural areas were facing acute shortages of drinking water for both people and livestock.

Claiming that the Rs one crore already announced for each Assembly constituency would be inadequate, he urged the government to provide an additional Rs two crore for every taluk to strengthen drinking water arrangements.

Pointing out that groundwater levels had fallen sharply, Vijayendra said farmers dependent on borewells were struggling due to erratic electricity supply.

He demanded that the government ensure a continuous seven-hour three-phase power supply every day to help farmers protect horticultural crops such as coconut, arecanut and other plantations.

Vijayendra said droughts and floods were recurring challenges and stressed that the state government should first discharge its responsibility by releasing relief funds before seeking Central assistance.

"The Central government will not shirk its responsibility. But if the state government neglects its duty, it will be doing an injustice to farmers," he said.

The BJP leader accused the Congress government of neglecting farmers' issues while remaining preoccupied with political developments and power struggles.

He also alleged that differences between Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and former CM Siddaramaiah had affected governance in the state.

He further criticised the recent cabinet expansion, claiming that several districts and backward communities had not received adequate representation and that political calculations had taken precedence over balanced regional development.

Responding to remarks made by Minister Priyank Kharge regarding the civil police recruitment question paper leak case, Vijayendra said those in power should remember that authority was temporary.

Instead of making arrogant statements, he said, the government should focus on addressing the concerns of unemployed youth and resolving issues affecting them.

Reiterating the BJP's support for farmers, Vijayendra said the party would continue to stand by the farming community and press the government to implement immediate relief measures to mitigate the impact of the drought.