Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has hit out at the BJP for the padayatra on the drought situation in the state and accused the opposition party of playing politics instead of addressing genuine issues of farmers and the people.
Shivakumar told reporters at Hubballi Airport that there was no opportunity to properly discuss the drought issue in the Assembly. He claimed the BJP was not interested in the state's welfare and was using it to gain political points.
‘BJP Has No Moral Right to Discuss Drought’
Shivakumar said the BJP did not have the moral authority to raise the drought issue through a political campaign when it had failed to facilitate a meaningful discussion on the matter in the legislature.
He accused the BJP of doing a padayatra to divert attention from differences within its own ranks.
“BJP is not doing a padayatra, it is doing politics,” Shivakumar said, according to the statement.
He recalled that Congress leaders had also undertaken padayatras in the past over issues including the Ballari movement, Mekedatu and Krishna river water-related matters.
Shivakumar said the BJP could conduct even 100 padayatras, but claimed that the opposition had itself created an opportunity for the ruling party to respond politically.
Drought Declaration Has a Procedure
Shivakumar said the government could not suddenly declare a region drought-affected without following established procedures.
He said that officials should first look at the affected areas and report back to the government before the government can make a decision.
According to Shivakumar, drought declaration is based on prescribed rules and an assessment by officials rather than political considerations.
He pointed to Kanakapura as an example, saying that drought-like conditions exist there too, but the government has not declared it a drought-hit area without completing the required process.
Shivakumar also said that being the Chief Minister does not mean that he can misuse his authority to make such decisions.
He spoke of the need for assessment by the authorities and the central team’s evaluation of the situation.
‘BJP Has Internal Differences’
The Deputy Chief Minister also claimed that the BJP was facing internal differences and stated the proposed padayatra was an attempt to hide those divisions.
He argued he would have a strong argument for taking the drought issue through proper assessment rather than a political confrontation.
His comments come at a time of public debate in the country about drought, agricultural distress and government action on areas where rainfall is scarce.
Shivakumar on Nagendra’s Resignation
Shivakumar also referred to former minister B. Nagendra, saying that Nagendra had resigned by taking moral responsibility even though he had not committed any wrongdoing.
He said he would answer questions regarding the matter at the appropriate forum.
Shivakumar said, “I will answer wherever I have to answer,” he said, saying he would soon make it clear how he intends to respond.
His words suggest that the issue of Nagendra’s resignation may remain a political flashpoint between the Congress government and BJP.
‘I Will Explain Rahul Gandhi Issue’
Shivakumar also reacted strongly to the BJP's criticism of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
He questioned if Rahul Gandhi had committed corruption and had any involvement in alleged irregularities connected with the KPSC or NET examination controversies.
Shivakumar questioned the significance of complaints filed against Rahul Gandhi and said that the opposition was trying to portray the matter as a major achievement.
He also referred to badges associated with Rahul Gandhi and questioned what wrongdoing the Congress leader had allegedly committed.
Basavaraj Rayareddy Remarks
Shivakumar was also asked about comments reportedly made by Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy.
He said he was not fully aware of what Rayareddy had said and he would meet the minister and get a clear explanation.
The statement comes at a time of increasing political tension in Karnataka over drought management, government accountability and the opposition's proposed campaign.
Shivakumar's comments suggest that the Congress government is preparing to directly counter the BJP's political offensive while maintaining that drought declarations must follow established administrative procedures.
The drought issue is probably going to remain an important one in the state, and the clash between the ruling Congress and the BJP is going to get more heated in the next few days.
