The Indian National Congress (INC) party at a protest in Bangalore demanded that the Centre release money to farmers immediately.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, several ministers and members of the state legislative assembly (MLAs) held a protest at the Vidhana Soudha demanding the release of drought-relief funds, Tuesday morning.
Siddaramaiah said that the Supreme Court’s intervention, which resulted in the Centre taking up the matter with the Election Commission indicated the urgency of the situation. He said that the central government’s wilful disregard for Karnataka’s rights has escalated tensions between political factions.
Speakers at the protest criticised the Centre’s stand, calling it a betrayal of the state’s farmers and rural communities. They said that the funds originallyearmarked for drought mitigation efforts.are at a risk of being redirected for political purposes. The lack of drought relief would further strain an already struggling agricultural landscape.
MLAs Ramesh Babu and Rizwan Arshad levelled criticisms against Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. Ramesh Babu contended that the Prime Minister’s alleged failure to address pressing issues like employment, inflation, and gross domestic product (GDP) had left him devoid of substantive achievements; instead he focused on diverting attention towards other issues. Meanwhile, Rizwan Arshad accused Modi of misleading the public and lacking confidence in his own track record. He alleged that Modi relied on various tactics to secure votes, particularly by demeaning the Muslim community.
People who spoke at the protest included Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, Shivajinagar MLA Rizwan Arshad, Arsikere MLA Shivalinga Gowda, former minister H.M Revanna, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Chairman Ramesh Babu, All India Congress Committe (AICC) general secretary and party-in-charge of Karnataka Randeep Surjewala, and Energy Minister K J George.
Karnataka has declared drought in 195 taluks and sought over Rs. 18,000 crore from the central government under the disaster management mitigation fund. The state made this demand six months ago.
Earlier this week, the center informed the Supreme Court that the government will take swift action on the demands of the Karnataka government. The government assured that required action will be taken by April 29.
