Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra has called on the state government to immediately release a special relief package of Rs 10,000 crore to assist farmers affected by severe drought in over 28 districts. He urged authorities not to wait for Central Government support as the situation worsens due to insufficient rainfall.
After visiting various villages in Tumakuru district on January 31, 2026 to assess the drought impact, Vijayendra stated that the BJP has deployed seven study teams to ascertain the true extent of the crisis across the state.
He said, “This tour has been organised to bring the hardships faced by farmers to the attention of the government. There is a severe shortage of rainfall in almost all 10 taluks of Tumakuru district. Farmers growing coconut, ragi, fruits and vegetables are facing difficulties. In many places, sowing has not begun, while in some others, sown crops have failed to germinate and have been damaged. In this context, he urged that all taluks in the district be immediately declared drought-hit areas.”
Vijayendra emphasised that farmers are facing financial hardship that is preventing them from continuing agricultural activities and said, “Instead of writing to the Centre and waiting, the state government should fulfil its responsibility and immediately release a special relief package of Rs 10,000 crore. The process of seeking Central assistance can continue later. But the primary responsibility of the state government should be to protect farmers.”
He further demanded that the DK Shivakumar-led state government cover the crop insurance payment for farmers and provide Rs 50 lakh to each taluk in Tumakuru district. He explained, “In the current situation, farmers do not even have the financial capacity to pay crop insurance premiums. Therefore, the state government should bear the farmers’ share of the crop insurance amount. He urged that at least Rs 50 lakh be released to every taluk in Tumakuru district to help farmers pay their insurance premiums.”
Noting the declining water levels in major sources such as the Hemavathi river and drying lakes and tanks, Vijayendra highlighted the severe drinking water issues faced by rural communities and livestock. He said the Rs 1 crore grant per taluk already announced is insufficient and called for an additional Rs 2 crore to strengthen drinking water supply systems.
He also mentioned the falling groundwater levels and dependence on borewells along with inadequate power supply as contributing factors to farmers’ distress. He demanded, “To save horticultural crops like coconut, areca nut and other crops, a continuous 7-hour 3-phase power supply must be ensured every day.”
Vijayendra stressed that drought and flood challenges are recurring and asserted that the state government must meet its responsibilities by releasing relief funds before seeking assistance from the Central Government. “The Central Government will not shirk its responsibility. But if the state government neglects its duty, it will amount to injustice to farmers. The priority of the state government should be to resolve farmers’ problems. However, the Congress government is more focused on political developments and power equations than on farmers’ distress,” he criticised.
Responding to Minister Priyank Kharge’s remarks on the civil police question paper leak case, Vijayendra said, “One must understand that power is not permanent. Instead of making arrogant statements, he should focus on resolving the problems of the youth.” He also commented on internal political conflicts, noting, “The differences between the Chief Minister and the former Chief Minister, and the conflict over power, are affecting the administration of the state. Even in the cabinet expansion, several districts and backward communities have not been given adequate representation. More priority has been given to political equations than to the overall development of the state.”
Concluding, the BJP state president reiterated his call for immediate government intervention by releasing a special relief package of Rs 10,000 crore for farmers in drought-affected districts and for the official declaration of all drought-affected taluks, including those in Tumakuru. “Saving the lives and livelihoods of farmers is the government’s first duty. Keep politics aside and take immediate relief measures. The BJP will always stand with farmers on issues concerning their welfare,” Vijayendra stated.