Karnataka: CM asks BJP MPs to mount pressure on Centre to get drought-relief funds

BENGALURU: Accusing the central government led by Bharatiya Janata Party of not releasing even a single paisa towards drought-relief measures in drought affected Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday questioned the Bharatiya Janata Party Lok Sabha members as to “How many of you have written a letter to the Centre seeking release of drought-relief funds?”

The State Government has declared 216 taluks drought-hit owing to deficit rainfall this season and sought Rs 17,901 crore from the Central Government towards drought-relief while the State suffered loss of estimated Rs 33, 770 crore.

Terming the BJP leaders tour of drought affected taluks in Karnataka as “farce,” the Chief Minister pointed out that a Central team visited the State to assess drought situation and by embarking upon a tour to study drought affected taluks, he questioned the BJP leaders “Don’t you trust your own government’s drought study team?”

He asked the BJP leaders that they should not tour the State instead they should go to New Delhi seeking steps to get drought-relief funds for the State and suggested to the BJP MPs that “If you don’t have courage to talk to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to get funds released for the State, at least arrange an appointment for me with the Prime Minister.”

“If you genuinely care for farmers of the State, then demand release of drought relief funds first,” CM told BJP leaders. Lashing at the BJP’s drought study tour, he said “After causing injustice to the State in issues connected with land, water and language, do BJP leaders have any shame left to tour the State?”