Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized the BJP s recent drought study tour. He argued that BJP leaders should be exerting pressure on the Center to secure drought relief for the state, rather than embarking on these tours. The BJP had announced the formation of teams, led by prominent leaders, to assess the drought situation.
Siddaramaiah complained that the state s 216 taluks have been badly battered by drought. But the Union Government had not given a single paisa of assistance, so far. He took dig at the PM asking why his heart, which beats for everyone else, had been hard on the people of Karnataka.
The extent of drought is the worst this year as the state has declared drought due to weak South West (SW) monsoon in 195 taluks, including in those of the Bengaluru Urban district.
The Congress government in Karnataka has announced that the upcoming Dasara festival will be a "simple and meaningful" one, due to the severe drought situation in the state. The festival, which is usually celebrated with grandeur and attracts tourists from all over, will be scaled down this year. The decision comes as farmers in the state are facing a crisis due to failed rains and the release of water to Tamil Nadu.
The failed monsoon has made the deputy chief minister’s portfolios a big burden and any water scarcity will make him look bad in the eyes of farmers and residents of Bengaluru. His detractors in the Congress might also try to use it against him