Bengaluru, April 27 (UNI) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar didn't mince words in his criticism of the Centre's response to the state's drought crisis, labeling the allocated relief funds as "meagre" and grossly inadequate.
Addressing the media here on Saturday, Shivakumar, who also serves as the state president of the Congress party, voiced strong opposition to the "meagre" sum provided by the Centre amidst the worsening drought situation in Karnataka.
Revealing that Karnataka had requested a substantial Rs 18,172 crore to combat the pressing drought conditions, Shivakumar disclosed that the Centre's response fell far short, with only Rs 3,498 crore allocated - a fraction of the state's requested amount.
Expressing dismay at the insufficiency of the relief package, Shivakumar underscored the severe impact on farmers already grappling with the drought's effects.
"In response, we have decided to stage a protest near the Gandhi statue at Vidhana Soudha," declared Shivakumar, outlining the Congress party's plan to demonstrate against the inadequate relief on April 28.
He reiterated the party's commitment to pursuing legal avenues to secure additional support for the drought-stricken state.
"We are not seeking handouts; this is our rightful due," Shivakumar asserted firmly, dismissing any notion of charity and emphasizing Karnataka's justified demand for adequate assistance during this crisis.
Despite Karnataka's initial request for only 50 percent of the estimated Rs 35,000 crore loss, the Centre's response remained disproportionately low, further exacerbating the disparity between Karnataka's needs and the relief provided by the Union government. UNI BDN SSP