Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide immediate central assistance to Karnataka, citing a severe drought situation, widespread crop losses and distress among farming families across the state.In a letter to PM Modi dated October 1 and shared publicly on October 3, Kharge said Karnataka was facing one of its gravest drought situations in recent years. He cited a 58 per cent rainfall deficiency as of September and said the state had estimated drought-related losses at ₹18,748.23 crore.Key HighlightsMallikarjun Kharge has sought PM Modi’s urgent intervention over Karnataka’s drought.Karnataka has sought ₹3,705.30 crore in central assistance.The state estimates drought-related losses at ₹18,748.23 crore.Kharge cited a 58 per cent rainfall deficiency as of September.He sought a Central team to assess drought damage in Kalyana Karnataka.More than 31 lakh farming families were cited as affected.Kharge has also sought enhanced support for drinking water and substitute power.Karnataka Seeks ₹3,705 Crore Drought ReliefAccording to Kharge, Karnataka has sought ₹3,705.30 crore under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) framework.He asked the Centre to release the full amount sought by the state and requested the immediate deployment of a Central team to Kalyana Karnataka to assess the drought damage on the ground.Kharge also said that the assistance should be calculated using updated Karnataka Bhoomi land records for small and marginal farmers instead of the 2015–16 Agriculture Census, arguing that this could prevent eligible farmers from being excluded from relief.Kharge Seeks Action for Additional TaluksThe Congress chief has also called for the completion of drought declarations for 11 additional taluks that are currently undergoing ground-truthing.He urged the Centre to consider these areas, along with any other qualifying taluks, as part of the same continuing drought event for the purpose of central assistance.Kharge further sought enhanced support for drinking water security and the cost of substitute power, pointing to low reservoir levels in the Cauvery and hydel catchment areas.Over 31 Lakh Farming Families MentionedKharge said more than 31 lakh farming families across Karnataka were facing distress because of the drought. He urged the Centre to provide assistance based on the state's assessment and without political considerations.He also said he had written separately to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking similar intervention.The latest development comes as Karnataka deals with a significant rainfall shortfall. The Indian Express reported that the state recorded its worst southwest monsoon since 1971, with rainfall 35 per cent below normal, while forecasts indicated below-normal rainfall could continue through October and November.
