Bengaluru : In the face of a severe drought affecting over 200 taluks in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar issued a challenge to BJP and JDS leaders, urging them to exert pressure on the central government for tangible relief measures. Speaking at a press conference near his Sadashivanagar residence on Friday, DCM Shivakumar emphasized the need for a committed response and criticized the central government for alleged discrimination against the state.
Accusing the BJP and JDS of conducting a mere “drought study tour” for political gain, Shivakumar highlighted that the state government had already submitted a comprehensive report on the drought to the central government, leading to the dispatch of a central drought study team. He called upon the 25 MPs from the state, as well as BJP and JDS MLAs, to actively engage with the Prime Minister and Union Minister to secure relief funds, emphasizing the urgency of the situation over political posturing.
In response to the crisis, Shivakumar announced the state cabinet’s decision to allocate Rs 800 crores to address the drought situation. He underscored the importance of prioritizing the supply of drinking water and fodder for animals. Despite the state government’s proposal to extend NREGA employment days from 100 to 150, Shivakumar revealed that the central government had not yet made a decision on the matter.
Challenging MPs and MLAs from the BJP and JDS alliance to advocate for the state, Shivakumar welcomed their political efforts but asserted the state government’s readiness to take independent action. He stated, “If the central government does not increase the working day, we will increase it ourselves. We are not begging the centre.” Shivakumar emphasized the legal obligation to extend NREGA employment days to 150 during drought conditions and called on the central government to provide clarity on the issue.
