Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka joined a BJP drought study team in staging a protest alongside farmers in a pigeon pea field at Karekal village in Ballari taluk on Thursday, citing severe distress caused by deficient rainfall and alleging the state government’s inadequate response.
The BJP team, conducting a statewide drought assessment, visited Sidaginamola and Karekal villages in Ballari district where they inspected drying pigeon pea crops, engaged directly with farmers, collected information on crop losses, and consulted officials regarding the local situation.
R Ashoka stated, “Most districts in the state are reeling under drought. With no rain, crops are withering, and farmers are struggling to sustain their livelihoods. There is no water in the dams, and no crops in the fields. But instead of responding to farmers’ problems, the state government is busy enjoying itself in Delhi.”
He added, “So far, no minister or senior official has visited farmers’ fields to understand the actual situation. The government has shown complete apathy. Hence, I have instructed that wherever the BJP is conducting drought studies across the state, protests should be held by sitting in farmers’ fields themselves.”
R Ashoka called for the government to announce compensation of ₹50,000 per acre for farmers who have lost their entire crops due to drought and urged officials to promptly visit affected fields, conduct crop loss surveys, and begin compensatory disbursement.
BJP leaders participating in the drought study team included MLAs Byrati Basavaraj, BP Harish, Krishna Naik, and former minister G Janardhana Reddy.
Following their activities in Ballari, the team proceeded to Vijayanagara district to assess the drought conditions there.
Farmers in Ballari expressed concern over pigeon pea and other crops drying up due to inadequate rainfall, warning that without immediate relief measures from the government, the agricultural sector will face further distress in the coming days.
Source - https://thenewsmill.com
