Provide ₹10cr spl grant to each drought-hit taluk: BJP

Dharwad/Hubballi: The BJP drought study team has demanded a special grant of Rs 10 crore for each drought-affected taluk in the state. Former water resources minister and BJP functionary Govind Karjol accused the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government of engaging in petty politicking when it was supposed to come to the rescue of drought-stricken farmers.Speaking to reporters here on Sunday after visiting the drought-affected areas in the district, Karjol said as many as 234 taluks in the state have been hit hard by drought. “The state government should have arranged for fodder banks and drinking water supply to prevent the people of these taluks from migrating. Meanwhile, the government is blissfully indifferent,” he charged.Accusing the Congress of coming to power by making false promises, Karjol said even after five months had lapsed after forming the government, the Congress had not been able to provide governance. “The farmers are in dire straits due to the failure of both kharif and rabi crops. The fact that the chief minister has to direct his ministers and MLAs to visit drought-affected areas is a sad reflection of the state of affairs,” Karjol said.Stating that 68 tanks in Dharwad district are being filled by diverting water from the Malaprabha Right Bank Canal, Karjol urged the government to take steps to fill all the tanks and help the farmers. “The CM who chants the slogan of equality and social justice should exhibit his willpower by providing water for all,” he said.Karjol said the BJP drought study team will submit a report to the state government and if it does not take a serious view of the report, an agitation will be launched. MLAs Arvind Bellad, Mahesh Tenginakai, MR Patil, former MLAs Amrut Desai, Seema Masuti and others were present.In HubballiFormer DCM and BJP senior leader Govind Karjol said that while the state is reeling under drought, the state government is busy with the transfer of officials.Speaking to reporters after reviewing drought situation at fields in Chabbi village of Hubballi taluk on Sunday, Karjol remarked that drought has hit the people but not the Congress MLAs and ministers. “Government is collecting commission from officials over transfers. This year, there has been an unprecedented number of transfers in the history of independent India. The ruling party, which is reaping a bumper harvest through transfers, is not aware of the plight of the people who are suffering due to drought. People are ready to teach a lesson to the government,” he said.He further said, “When there is drought, district minister should hold a meeting of the officials, go to people and listen to their plight. Rural people are migrating to urban areas, which should be stopped by taking up drought relief works. CM Siddaramaiah declared drought when the situation reached a dire stage. They are not taking the least responsibility. Fighting for power, and doing caste politics is not politics.”“Lingayats, once the majority in the state, are becoming a minority. They have been ignored in the state. Lingayat leaders are being kept away from all proceedings.What is the Congress doing now after coming to power in the name of Lingayat politics?” he questioned.
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