KRRS lambasts government, Opposition; demands drought relief programme

Lashing out at the State government and the Opposition for indulging in “theatrics” despite the severe drought prevailing in the State, the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) has demanded the immediate formulation of drought-relief programmes to bail out farmers, who are in a dire situation.

Addressing a press conference in Mysuru on Tuesday, KRRS chief Badagalapura Nagendra said Karnataka was facing an unprecedented drought, but the State government was resorting to an “eyewash” while the Opposition staged a “drama on the streets.”

Despite indications of an impending drought in Karnataka and several other States across the country, the Centre and State failed to formulate precautionary measures to tackle the situation on a war footing and respond to farmers and other working sections. “Now, they are talking about conducting studies and citing technical aspects. These governments have neither the will nor the humanity to provide drought relief,” he said.

“There is growing concern that farmers may be driven to suicide because of the negligence of these governments. The possibility of cattle dying due to lack of fodder and water is also increasing. People are migrating in search of livelihood. There is an acute shortage of drinking water,” he said.

He urged the State government to set aside NDRF and SDRF norms and respond to the plight of farmers, labourers and other working people caught in the drought crisis using its own resources. The State government, he said, should provide compensation for crop losses and take other necessary measures, and only thereafter pursue the funds due from the Centre.

‘Waive farm loans’

Pointing out that banks had begun taking steps to recover loans from farmers even amid the severe drought crisis, the KRRS leader said the government should immediately issue strict instructions to banks to prevent loan recovery.

The Centre and State should share responsibility for waiving farmers’ crop loans in a 50:50 ratio, the KRRS said, seeking a unanimous resolution on the issue at the special session convened to discuss the drought. KRRS also urged Members of Parliament from Karnataka to unitedly press the Centre on the loan waiver and the release of funds due to the State.

Mr. Badagalapura Nagendra said the KRRS was discussing plans to launch a massive agitation across the State next week to condemn the Centre and State governments’ negligence in responding to the hardships faced by farmers due to the drought.

‘Stop water release’

The KRRS also expressed dismay over the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu at a time when the State is facing drought and people and cattle are struggling for drinking water. “Releasing water from the Cauvery reservoirs as per the directions of the Cauvery Water Management Authority is a betrayal of the people of the State,” the KRRS said, urging the government to take a “political decision” that protects the State’s interests during this crisis.