Karnataka Leader of Opposition R Ashok on September 30, 2026, criticised the state government over the drought situation and said farmers and rural communities are suffering from crop losses, debt and drinking water shortages.
Ashok said in ANI that the government had not done enough to address the drought situation. Drinking water problems were being reported in several parts of the state and he questioned the availability and release of funds for drought relief.
His remarks come after a three-day special session of the Karnataka Legislature where drought and farmer distress were prominent issues discussed by the opposition.
Ashok Questions Release of Drought Funds
Ashok also questioned the release of money announced for drought-affected taluks.
As he said to ANI, the state government had announced ₹1 crore for every taluk, but he claimed that the amount was not yet released. He also raised questions about the state government’s financial condition, saying there was no money to carry out the relief measures announced.
These claims are part of Ashok's criticism of the government's handling of the drought and should be understood as statements made by the Leader of Opposition.
Ashok had earlier this month demanded greater transparency about Karnataka's finances and drought expenditure, including a white paper detailing the state's financial position and relief spending.
Demand for ₹25,000 Per Acre
Ashok has a demand of ₹25,000 compensation for farmers suffering from drought and crop loss per acre.
The demand is following the Karnataka government’s announcement of ₹2,500 in drought relief per farmer/family. Ashok has criticised the flat payment and argued that compensation should instead reflect the extent of crop loss and the area affected.
On September 25, ANI reported that Ashok had criticised the ₹2,500 relief package and said farmers deserve much higher compensation. He said his earlier demand was ₹50,000 per acre, but argued that the government should provide at least ₹25,000 per acre.
#WATCH | Bengaluru: Karnataka Legislative Assembly LoP R Ashok says, "... The state government has failed in the drought situation in Karnataka. Everywhere there is a drinking water problem, and the Karnataka Finance Department is already pauper. There is no money. The state… pic.twitter.com/emur3wBruc
— ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2026
Farmer Suicides Cited in Ashok's Statement
Ashok also referred to farmer suicides while discussing the impact of drought and agricultural debt.
In his recent ANI statement, he said more than 3,000 farmers had died by suicide and he mentioned two recent deaths in Mandya that he linked to loan-related distress.
These figures and the circumstances of individual deaths should be independently verified through official records before being presented as established facts. To be published, the safer wording is that Ashok made the claim in his statement to ANI.
₹2,500 Relief vs ₹25,000 Per Acre Demand
The amount of compensation is one of the central points of dispute between the Karnataka government and the opposition.
Ashok said the ₹2,500 assistance announced by the government was inadequate compared to the financial burden faced by farmers. He is demanding ₹25,000 per acre, and he is also calling for the release of funds for drought-hit areas.
Ashok had earlier asked for ₹50,000 per acre as drought compensation and also sought additional funds for areas facing drinking water shortages.
Ashok also said that the issue will be discussed at the NDA meeting, after which the alliance will decide whether to approach central leaders and Union ministers regarding Karnataka's drought situation.
So the opposition is seeking more financial help and intervention as it raises questions about farmers, drinking water availability and drought relief.
