CM Shivakumar said, “If the BJP does not come with an all-party delegation to submit a memorandum to the Center on the drought situation in the state, it will be proved that their stand is just a drama. If the BJP leaders in the state fail to convince the Centre, we will ourselves take necessary steps in the interest of the farmers.”
Speaking to the media near his residence in Bengaluru, CM Shivakumar said that even if opposition parties refuse to join the delegation, the government will not ignore the interests of farmers.
He said, “We will do whatever is necessary to protect the interests of the farmers of the state. Their stand makes it clear that they do not care about the farmers of the state. Those who are demanding compensation of Rs 25,000 or Rs 50,000 for the farmers should also talk to the Center and ensure that it gives compensation.”
CM Shivakumar said that a central team will visit Karnataka on October 3 to take stock of the drought situation. He said, “Our officers will provide full cooperation to the team while staying within the ambit of the law.”
He also said that a date for an all-party meeting would be fixed soon to discuss the Kasturirangan report and the drought situation in the state.
CM Shivakumar said, “I will decide the date of the meeting. Meanwhile, I will meet some Union ministers and attend the CWC meeting, where issues related to SIR and Chief Election Commissioner are being discussed. These issues need to be discussed.”
On Kasturirangan report, he said that this issue will also be raised with the Centre. “I will seek time to meet Union ministers and the Prime Minister to discuss the Kasturirangan issue. After getting the time, I will submit the necessary memorandum on behalf of Karnataka,” he said.
Earlier, CM Shivakumar had announced that he has scheduled an all-party meeting to discuss important issues of the state, including drought relief from the Center and the Kasturirangan report. The meeting is taking place at a time when opposition leaders have refused to join the proposed all-party delegation to New Delhi.