Demand for ₹50,000 per acre compensation for drought-hit farmers; B.Y. Vijayendra targets Karnataka government
Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra has launched a scathing attack on the state's Congress government regarding the drought situation in the North Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka regions. He alleged that the government is not taking the plight of drought-stricken farmers seriously and has failed to provide immediate financial assistance to those affected.
During a press briefing held at the airport on July 13, Vijayendra highlighted the dire situation of farmers in several districts, including Bidar, Kalaburagi, and Yadgir. He stated that agricultural activities have been severely impacted due to a significant rainfall deficit in these areas. According to him, rainfall has been far below normal in many regions, preventing farmers from even undertaking sowing operations.
Vijayendra claimed that cultivation could not take place on over 30 lakh hectares of agricultural land due to the lack of rain. He noted that major crops such as pigeon pea (tur), sunflower, and cotton have been affected, directly impacting farmers' incomes and leaving many families facing a financial crisis.
He demanded that the state government provide compensation of at least ₹50,000 per acre to the drought-affected farmers. Dismissing Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's recent visit to Basavakalyan as "merely a photo op," Vijayendra asserted that the government must take concrete steps to assist farmers at the grassroots level.
The BJP leader also referred to the initiatives undertaken by the previous BJP government led by former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa. He mentioned that projects worth approximately ₹500 crore were launched for the region's development at that time, with funds of ₹100 crore and ₹200 crore released in phases. Vijayendra alleged that the current Congress government has been neglecting these schemes for the past three years.
He urged the Chief Minister to immediately release the pending funds and prioritize development works. Addressing questions about alleged internal rifts within the Bidar district BJP, Vijayendra stated that the party would resolve all local issues through dialogue and mutual consensus. He dismissed allegations of any "adjustment politics" between BJP MLAs and the Congress, asserting that the BJP is playing the role of a strong opposition dedicated to the interests of the public and the farming community.
In view of the upcoming Zilla Panchayat and local body elections, Vijayendra emphasized the need to further energize the organization. He stated that strategies regarding election preparations and issues concerning farmers would be formulated through consultations with district leaders, MLAs, and senior office-bearers.
read more :-The rupee settled 26 paise lower at 96.20 against the US dollar.
