Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday said the BJP’s position on farmers would come under scrutiny if its leaders refused to join an all-party delegation to Delhi seeking drought relief from the Centre. The proposed delegation is aimed at pressing for financial assistance as drought conditions have expanded across Karnataka. Why is Shivakumar seeking an all-party delegation?Shivakumar has proposed taking representatives of different political parties to Delhi to discuss Karnataka’s drought situation with the Central government. He has said the delegation would seek assistance for farmers and other relief measures amid worsening rainfall conditions.The Chief Minister had earlier announced plans to lead an all-party delegation to the Centre and urged BJP leaders to participate. The issue gained urgency after the number of drought-affected taluks increased significantly across the state. How severe is Karnataka’s drought situation?According to Shivakumar’s recent communication to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 177 taluks in Karnataka have been declared drought-affected. The state had initially sought Rs 3,705.30 crore for immediate relief in 101 drought-declared taluks before the number of affected taluks increased.Shivakumar has also requested the Centre to release 50 per cent of the memorandum amount as interim assistance. He said the funds would help Karnataka address crop losses, drinking water requirements, livestock protection and other urgent relief measures. What has the BJP said about the delegation?The BJP and JD(S) have declined to join the proposed all-party delegation, according to reports. Leader of Opposition R. Ashok and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy have said they would not participate in the delegation planned to meet the Centre over drought relief. The Opposition has also raised concerns over the Karnataka government’s handling of farmers’ issues and the drought situation. The disagreement has therefore become part of the wider political debate over how Karnataka should seek assistance from the Centre.What will Shivakumar do next?Shivakumar said he would travel to Delhi to discuss drought relief and other Karnataka-related issues with the Central government. He is also expected to discuss the Kasturirangan report and meet Union ministers during the visit.The Chief Minister has maintained that the state government will continue to pursue assistance even if Opposition parties do not join the delegation. The immediate focus remains securing financial support for drought-affected areas and addressing the impact on farmers, water availability and livestock. The Karnataka government’s request for interim assistance comes as officials continue assessing losses in newly declared drought-hit areas. The Centre’s formal relief process includes assessment of damage and consideration of recommendations before financial assistance is approved. Also Read : BJP Moves Notice for J&K Assembly Speaker’s Removal, Says Language Used in Statehood Resolution ‘Unacceptable’
