Karnataka deputy CM: Why are BJP leaders not asking for help from the Centre?

Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday criticized BJP leaders for not taking up the drought situation in the state with the Central government.

BJP leaders from Karnataka have not even once talked to their party leaders and Union ministers in New Delhi about the farmers facing crisis in Karnataka.

“But they always keep blaming the state government for not giving any compensation. We have paid Rs 2,000 per farmer as the first installment. We have also paid attention to the issue of drinking water,” he told reporters.

On BJP leaders’ comments that his government at the Center has released more drought relief funds than the previous Manmohan Singh government, he said, “Manmohan Singh’s government has been in power for a long time. BJP has been in power for the last 10 years. They always talk about double engine government, but why don’t they (BJP leaders) ask for help from the Center for the state?”

On central government grants, Shivakumar said it has announced Rs 5,300 crore for irrigation projects in Karnataka. But they have not released any funds. “We are left with no other option but to raise our voice for the state. I invite state BJP and JDS leaders to join our protest on February 7.”