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Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad criticized Karnataka's handling of the Cauvery water issue, asserting that the state should emulate Tamil Nadu's approach to safeguard its farmers' interests during drought. In a debate on drought, Bellad pointed out that Karnataka was repeatedly asked by Cauvery authorities to release water to Tamil Nadu, indicating the "failure" of the Karnataka government to present its case effectively.

He highlighted Tamil Nadu's success in protecting farmers' interests despite having a larger geographical area for crop cultivation, contrasting it with Karnataka's failure to advocate for its farmers during the Cauvery monitoring process. Bellad also criticized Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for his stance that farmers should not cultivate crops in the Cauvery command region due to poor storage in the reservoirs, instead of urging them to cultivate two crops, as Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay did.

Additionally, Bellad accused Shivakumar of not taking necessary measures to handle the drought and not appointing an Agriculture Minister during the initial phase of his administration. He also expressed concern over the state's 70% population dependence on agriculture and the insufficient drought relief measures, emphasizing the inadequate compensation provided to farmers compared to Tamil Nadu's actions.