BJP MLC alleges partiality in drought-hit taluk selection

BJP Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) N. Ravikumar has accused the state government of partiality in the selection of drought-affected taluks. At a press conference in Yadgir, Ravikumar claimed that the government only identified certain taluks, despite the entire state being in severe drought. He emphasized that approximately 75% of agricultural land across Karnataka is affected by the drought.

Notably, none of the taluks in the Kalaburagi district were included in the list, while districts like Raichur, Gadag, Belagavi, Koppal, and others have suffered significant crop losses. Ravikumar accused the government of using an unscientific assessment report to exclude these districts. He highlighted that the Yadgir district, particularly taluks such as Shorapur, Yadgir, and Gurmitkal, is facing acute drought conditions.

The MLC alleged that the state government's exclusion of these severely affected taluks constitutes a grave injustice to Yadgir farmers. Comparing past relief measures, Ravikumar recalled that during the 2022 drought, the then-Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa had announced a compensation package of ₹18,500 per acre, benefiting over 38 lakh farmers in the state.

Ravikumar urged the state government to revise the drought list based on accurate, scientific crop-loss surveys and provide financial compensation to all affected farmers. BJP leader Mahesh Reddy Mudnal and other party members attended the press conference.