Bengaluru: Karnataka Assembly Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka has urged Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, to visit drought-hit regions of Karnataka, interact with farmers and intervene to ensure adequate relief.
In a letter to Rahul Gandhi, Ashoka alleged that delays in declaring drought and distributing compensation had worsened farmers’ distress. He called on Gandhi to discuss the issue with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and press the state government to increase assistance.
Citing figures in the letter, Ashoka said Karnataka had recorded a 35% deficit in southwest monsoon rainfall, with 217 taluks declared drought-affected. Crop losses had reportedly covered 47.09 lakh hectares, causing estimated losses of ₹46,324.50 crore.
He questioned the adequacy of the announced input subsidy of ₹2,500 per farmer, arguing that it offered little relief amid rising cultivation costs, mounting debts and household expenses.
Ashoka said ₹6,651.15 crore in input subsidies had been distributed to 51.90 lakh farmers for crop losses across 57.43 lakh hectares between 2019–20 and 2022–23, during the previous BJP-led government’s tenure.
He sought an explanation for the current level of assistance and called for additional state funding, prompt compensation and accurate assessment of crop losses.
Ashoka urged Rahul Gandhi to seek answers from the state government on six issues: the ₹2,500 subsidy, additional assistance from state resources, delays in declaring drought-hit taluks, timely relief distribution, drinking water and fodder availability, and a time-bound plan to ensure every eligible farmer receives assistance.
He also called for measures to protect livestock and ensure relief reaches farmers’ bank accounts without delay.
Ashoka said Rahul Gandhi should meet affected farmers directly and hold the state government accountable, stressing that drought relief required timely action rather than nominal assistance.
