Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar Hits Out at BJP, JD(S) Over Refusal to Join Delegation to Delhi

DK Shivakumar Criticises BJP and JD(S)

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on September 28 criticised the BJP and JD(S) over their decision not to participate in a proposed all-party delegation to Delhi seeking drought relief for the state.

Shivakumar accused the Opposition of putting political considerations ahead of farmers' interests and said the Karnataka government would continue its efforts to secure relief even if the BJP and JD(S) stayed away.

BJP and JD(S) Decide to Stay Away

Union Minister and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy and Karnataka Leader of Opposition R Ashoka said on September 27 that they would not join the proposed delegation.

Kumaraswamy questioned the need for an all-party visit, arguing that state representatives could directly approach the Union government through other channels. He also described the expenditure involved in such a trip as unnecessary.

Shivakumar Says Farmers' Interests Should Come First

Shivakumar said the Opposition should use its access to the Centre to help Karnataka secure drought assistance.

He said that if BJP leaders were able to secure relief directly, the state government would welcome the outcome. He also indicated that Karnataka would proceed with its own efforts if the Opposition did not participate.

Karnataka Government Seeks Drought Relief

The proposed Delhi delegation is linked to Karnataka's demand for financial assistance following the drought situation across the state.

According to reports, 177 of Karnataka's 240 taluks have already been declared drought-affected, while ground-truthing exercises are continuing in another 50 taluks.

The state government wants to present its assessment of crop damage and the financial requirements arising from the drought to the Union government.

Central Teams to Assess Drought Situation

Central assessment teams are expected to visit Karnataka from October 3 to examine the drought situation on the ground.

The teams will cover several affected regions, meet local officials and compare the state's assessment with ground conditions. The assessment is expected to form part of the process for considering the state's request for drought assistance.

Deputy CM Calls for Political Unity

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara also criticised the reported boycott by the BJP and JD(S).

He said drought should not be treated as a political issue and argued that all parties have a responsibility to represent Karnataka's interests before the Centre. He also said the participation of BJP representatives could strengthen the state's case.

Kasturirangan Report Also on Shivakumar's Agenda

Shivakumar's Delhi visit is not limited to drought relief.

He is also expected to discuss the Kasturirangan Committee report and other issues concerning Karnataka with Union ministers. The Chief Minister has said he intends to present the state's position before the Centre and seek meetings with relevant Union ministers and other officials.

BJP-JD(S) Position on the Delegation

Kumaraswamy has argued that Karnataka representatives do not necessarily need to travel to Delhi as part of an all-party delegation to seek assistance.

The BJP and JD(S) positions contrast with the Karnataka government's argument that a united delegation would strengthen the state's demand for central assistance. These are the respective political positions of the parties involved.

Karnataka's Drought Relief Push

The dispute comes as Karnataka prepares for a fresh assessment of drought-affected areas.

The state government is expected to provide officials with information and documentation required for the central teams' assessment. Shivakumar has said his government will continue pursuing relief measures for farmers irrespective of the Opposition's participation in the Delhi delegation.

Key Takeaways

• Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar criticised the BJP and JD(S) for refusing to join an all-party delegation to Delhi.

• The delegation was proposed to seek drought relief for Karnataka.

• JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy and BJP leader R Ashoka said they would not participate.

• Kumaraswamy questioned the need and expense of an all-party Delhi visit.

• Karnataka has declared 177 of 240 taluks drought-affected, according to reports.

• Central assessment teams are expected to visit the state from October 3.

• Shivakumar said the government would continue pursuing relief even without Opposition participation.

• The Chief Minister is also expected to raise the Kasturirangan report with the Centre.