JD(S) Accuses Karnataka Government of Prioritizing Politics Over Farmers Welfare Amid Drought
JD(S) criticizes Karnataka government for diverting Krishna River water to Telangana, endangering local farmers during a drought.
Bengaluru, October 14 (Daily Kiran) : The Janata Dal (Secular) party has accused the Karnataka government of placing political interests above the welfare of farmers. On Wednesday, the party claimed that water from the Krishna River has been released towards Telangana from the Almatti and Narayanpur reservoirs, despite the severe drought affecting farmers in northern Karnataka.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, JD(S) raised concerns about the government’s priorities. They questioned why, during a time of crisis for Karnataka’s farmers, the government appears to favor political interests in neighboring states led by the Congress party.
The party further asked whether the political agenda of the neighboring state’s high commission holds more weight for the government than the plight of local farmers struggling for drinking water. They described the decision to divert Krishna River water to Telangana as a betrayal, especially when farmers in northern Karnataka are facing dire conditions.
JD(S) accused the Chief Minister of sacrificing the interests of Karnataka’s farmers based on verbal directives. They alleged that the Congress government is misusing the state’s water resources to benefit Congress-ruled neighboring states, citing the Mekedatu project on the Cauvery River and the alleged diversion of Krishna River water.
The party emphasized that Karnataka’s taxpayers, resources, and water should primarily benefit its own people, rather than those in states aligned politically with the Congress party. JD(S) criticized the government for supplying water to neighboring states while failing to provide adequate compensation for crop losses to Karnataka’s farmers.
Highlighting the government’s anti-farmer stance, JD(S) demanded an immediate halt to the diversion of water to Telangana. They urged the government to prioritize the drinking water needs of northern Karnataka’s residents and the irrigation requirements of farmers.
The party warned that if the government does not address their concerns, farmers may take to the streets to express their grievances.
These allegations come amid growing concerns about drought conditions in parts of Karnataka and the availability of water for agriculture and drinking purposes.
