Labeling the drought study tour of BJP and JD(S) as mere "publicity", Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar urged their parliamentarians and legislators to engage directly with the Prime Minister and relevant Central Ministers. The state Congress chief accused the Centre of discriminatory practices in delivering drought relief to Karnataka.
As the BJP conducts a statewide drought study tour in separate teams, H D Kumaraswamy, the JD(S) state president, recently announced the party's plan for the 'Raita Santwana Yatre' (tour to console farmers), likely scheduled for December.
Mocking the two parties, Shivakumar as per PTI said, "The BJP and JD(S) leaders are going on a drought study tour out of compassion."
"Already, Karnataka government conducted a survey and submitted a memorandum to the Central government which has even sent a team of officials to assess the situation," Shivakumar said, as per the report.
Addressing reporters, Shivakumar emphasized that 26 MPs from both the BJP and JD(S), along with 66 and 19 MLAs respectively, should travel to Delhi. Their objective should be to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Central Ministers, actively securing relief funds for the state.
He criticized the notion of going on a tour solely for alleged publicity, inspecting a couple of agricultural plants, and returning without tangible outcomes. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the state benefits from these efforts. He clarified that they are not begging the Central government rather they are asking for the release of relief funds as per established rules, asserting their rightful claim.
Earlier, Karnataka declared 216 out of 236 taluks as drought-hit in the state and estimated losses in excess of Rs 33,700 crore. The state also sought central drought relief of Rs 17,900 crore.