Congress Protests in Bengaluru Over Alleged Withholding of Drought Relief Funds by Central Government

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah led a protest by the Congress party in Bengaluru on Monday, condemning the central government for allegedly withholding drought relief funds for the state. Siddaramaiah stated that out of 240 taluks in Karnataka, 223 have been declared drought-prone, and the state has demanded a relief package of Rs 18,172 crore.

The chief minister criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for not responding to the state's demands. "The central government, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, have not responded to the state's demands," Siddaramaiah said during the protest.

Karnataka has been facing severe drought conditions, with the state government assessing a requirement of Rs 18,171 crore for drought relief work as per the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) norms. However, several memoranda to the Centre seeking the release of grants have been met with silence.

The state government has already spent Rs 650 crore from its own resources to provide Rs 2,000 to each of the 34 lakh farmers affected by the destruction of standing crops on 48,000 hectares due to inadequate rains. Siddaramaiah questioned the moral authority of Modi and Shah to seek votes in Karnataka during the Lok Sabha elections, emphasizing the disconnect between political rhetoric and the ground realities faced by the people.

Why this matters: The alleged withholding of drought relief funds by the central government has significant implications for the welfare of farmers and the agricultural sector in Karnataka. The protest highlights the ongoing political tensions between the state and central governments, particularly in the context of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The Congress party's protest, which included AICC General Secretary Randeep Surjewala and other ministers, aimed to draw attention to the alleged injustice meted out to Karnataka and its people by the BJP-led government at the Centre. Siddaramaiah urged Home Minister Amit Shah to hold a meeting and allocate the requested Rs 18,171 crore to Karnataka, stating that the state had to move the Supreme Court to receive any compensation. "The state government had to move the Supreme Court to receive any compensation, and they would now go to the 'people's court' to appeal for justice," the chief minister said.

Key Takeaways

• Karnataka CM led Congress protest over delayed drought relief funds from Centre.
• Karnataka demands Rs 18,172 crore in drought relief, but Centre has not responded.
• State govt spent Rs 650 crore to provide Rs 2,000 each to 34 lakh affected farmers.
• CM questioned BJP's moral authority to seek votes in Karnataka over drought issue.
• Congress protest aims to highlight alleged injustice by BJP-led Centre towards Karnataka.