Bengaluru, April 29: The leader of the opposition in the Karnataka Assembly and senior BJP leader R. Ashoka launched a sharp attack on the Congress government on Wednesday. He accused the state administration of completely ignoring farmers amid severe heat and water shortages.
Ashoka stated that crops are being destroyed due to extreme heat in various parts of the state, while people are struggling to find drinking water. He questioned the government’s so-called ‘farmer-friendly’ policies, describing the situation as extremely concerning.
According to Ashoka, around 20% of sugarcane crops in the Chikkodi and Nipani regions of Belagavi district have been damaged due to the intense heat. Additionally, over 76 villages in Gadag district are facing a serious drinking water crisis.
He alleged that while farmers are battling for survival, the Congress government is preoccupied with internal political strife. Ashoka highlighted the government’s failures, noting that despite water availability in reservoirs like Kabini, Krishna, and Malaprabha, farmers are unable to operate their pump sets due to power shortages.
He termed this a ‘paradoxical situation,’ stating that in some areas there is water but no electricity, while in others there is electricity but no water. According to Ashoka, this is a complete administrative failure.
He further mentioned that due to the heat and power cuts, sugarcane crops in fields are wilting. Ashoka questioned what measures the government has taken to alleviate the farmers’ distress.
He expressed concern over the drinking water crisis, stating that conditions are dire in several districts, including Gadag, where both humans and animals are struggling for water. Ashoka accused the government of indirectly promoting tanker mafias.
Targeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Ashoka urged him to set aside political disputes and focus on the issues faced by farmers in North Karnataka. He demanded immediate compensation for affected farmers and adequate arrangements for drinking water in villages.
Ashoka warned that if the government does not act swiftly, the suffering of farmers could lead to public outrage.
Meanwhile, Karnataka’s health department has instructed all district and taluk hospitals to make special arrangements to deal with heat strokes in light of the rising temperatures. The department has mandated that community health centers reserve two beds, taluk hospitals at least five, and district hospitals a minimum of ten beds for patients with heat-related illnesses (HRI).
The circular stated that these arrangements will remain in place until July 31, with necessary facilities such as thermometers, fans, and ice available in these rooms. Additionally, medical and paramedical staff will receive special training to better treat heat-related illnesses.
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