Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], September 4 (ANI): With Karnataka grappling with a drought situation, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday said that he will visit to assess the situation in Vijayanagara and Bagalkot.
"Tomorrow I am going to Vijayanagara and today to Bagalkot to assess the drought situation," Shivakumar told reporters, adding that he had already consulted his Cabinet Minister on the crisis.
The visits come as the state continues to battle dry spells in over 100 Taluks.
Shivakumar also hit out at the BJP and JD(S) over what he described as "politics" around the farmers' crisis amid the ongoing Cauvery dispute with Tamil Nadu.
"You have seen the kind of politics being played by the BJP and JD(S). They are not being given an opportunity to discuss the farmers' issues and the situation on the ground, and to seek even some relief for them. That is why we have kept a special session because the MLAs, including MLAs from their parties, were coming to me and expressing their concerns," he said.
He added that MLAs across party lines had flagged ground realities from their constituencies.
"BJP MLAs, JD(S) MLAs, and our MLAs were all telling me about the situation in their respective constituencies. So, I should understand the sentiments and situation in each constituency and extend all possible support to them," Shivakumar said, adding that the Centre must step in with adequate funds.
"The Central Government should provide the necessary funds and assistance. Now, we have to take an all-party decision and move forward," he said.
Referring to BJP state president BY Vijayendra's demand for a farm loan waiver, Shivakumar challenged BJP leaders to join him in Delhi to push for the demand.
"Vijayendra has said that there should be a loan waiver. Certainly, the Central Government should take responsibility for a loan waiver. The Prime Minister himself has said that this is a drought situation. So, Vijayendra, R Ashoka, and all the other BJP leaders should come with me to Delhi and demand that the Central Government waive the farmers' loans. They have every right to make such a demand," he said.
The remark comes amid an ongoing BJP padayatra led by Vijayendra. He has said, "I have also urged the government to immediately announce an agricultural loan waiver of up to ₹5 lakh for farmers in drought-affected regions, instead of shirking its responsibility and resorting to a blame game with the Central Government."
Weighing in separately during a press conference, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje urged Shivakumar to raise the issue during any engagement with his Tamil Nadu CM Vijay.
"When CM DK Shivakumar meets Tamil Nadu CM Mr Vijay, they should talk about Cauvery, because we are not getting enough water for drinking and the first harvest, but Tamil Nadu is asking for water for their two and third crop. Even we are not getting water to drink in my constituency from Cauvery, so both have to sit together and discuss about water," she said.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara has announced that the state Cabinet has decided to convene a special Assembly session on September 21, 22 and 23 to discuss the severe drought situation, problems faced by farmers and the contentious Kasturirangan report. (ANI)
Karnataka CM Shivakumar to visit Bagalkot, Vijayanagara amid drought; urges BJP to join Delhi push for farmer loan waiver
