Bengaluru, July 22: Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara announced on Wednesday that the state is experiencing a severe drought crisis. He stated that the government has requested the central government to declare this situation a national disaster. Parameshwara also mentioned that clarity regarding the long-discussed cabinet expansion could emerge by noon.
While speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Parameshwara indicated plans to visit drought-affected areas in Chikkaballapura district and Bengaluru Rural to assess the ground situation.
He said, “On July 26, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and I will hold a review meeting for the Bengaluru division in Chitradurga. Review meetings for the Belagavi and Kalaburagi divisions have already taken place, while the meeting for the Mysuru division will be held later.”
The Deputy Chief Minister confirmed that the state government has sought additional financial assistance from the center and requested exemptions from the criteria for declaring a drought.
Parameshwara emphasized, “The situation is critical. A significant drought persists in Karnataka. We have written to the central government requesting additional financial support and exemptions related to drought declaration rules. I have also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare the current situation a national disaster.”
He noted that neighboring states, including Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Maharashtra, are also facing drought-like conditions.
He added, “Many states are affected by drought, which is why I have requested it to be declared a national disaster.”
Regarding the cabinet expansion, Parameshwara stated that the process will commence only after receiving approval from the Congress high command. He mentioned that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President B.K. Hariprasad are currently in Delhi for discussions.
He said, “The cabinet expansion will take place after receiving the high command’s approval. It is unclear whether this will happen by Friday. We may have updates on the situation by noon.”
The Deputy Chief Minister also called for greater representation for Tumakuru district in the state cabinet.
He said, “I have requested an additional cabinet position for Tumakuru district. It is a large district. Previously, there were 13 assembly constituencies here, and now there are 11. Considering this, I have requested an additional ministerial position.”
Reiterating the long-standing demand for a second international airport in Karnataka, Parameshwara stated that Tumakuru would be an ideal location.
He remarked, “We have been demanding a second international airport near Bengaluru in Tumakuru for about 25 years. People from nearly 20 districts travel to Bengaluru via Tumakuru. It is considered the gateway to northern Karnataka and coastal areas.”
Parameshwara also responded to the ongoing political controversy regarding alleged irregularities in national-level examinations and the arrest of Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra during protests in New Delhi.
He alleged, “Millions of students have faced injustice and been deceived. Rahul Gandhi has raised this issue. A significant protest march took place in Delhi yesterday, after which Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were arrested. This protest was symbolic, and their arrests were aimed at silencing Rahul Gandhi.”
In response to Rahul Gandhi’s demand for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resignation over this issue, Parameshwara stated that it is natural for the opposition to seek accountability from the government.
He concluded, “Such demands are natural. The Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should have addressed these issues, which is why there are calls for his resignation. In the past, several Union ministers have resigned following railway accidents and other incidents. In such situations, it is normal to demand accountability.”
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