Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his criticism on Tuesday towards BJP leaders touring drought-affected regions of the state. While addressing reporters following his visit to the Hasanamba temple, he emphasized that rather than engaging in such activities for political reasons, senior BJP leaders, including the state’s 25 BJP MPs, should focus on securing grants from the Center. A Central team has already assessed the drought situation in the state, but Karnataka has yet to receive assistance from the Center.
The state has incurred a loss of Rs 33,700 crore, and they have requested compensation of Rs 17,900 crore. Siddaramaiah clarified that there is no issue with BJP leaders visiting drought-affected areas, but it’s disheartening that their motivations appear political. He suggested that instead of visiting these regions, the BJP should be urging the Center to release grants.
Siddaramaiah noted that Union Ministers have not made time for meetings with State Ministers to discuss the state’s ongoing situation and seek assistance. He remarked that if BJP leaders genuinely care about the state and its farmers, they should focus on ensuring that grants are released from the Center.
Meanwhile, senior BJP leaders, including former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, have been touring drought-affected taluks to gather firsthand information about the situation. Simultaneously, the government has faced criticism for not providing adequate compensation to farmers.
