Over 2,800 Farmers Have Committed Suicide in Karnataka Since Congress Took Power: BJP Claims

Bengaluru, July 23: Senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and opposition leader R. Ashok has alleged that more than 2,800 farmers have committed suicide in Karnataka since the Congress government assumed power. He criticized the state government for failing to take adequate measures to address the worsening drought situation.

Ashok demanded that the state government immediately declare a drought across Karnataka and provide compensation of ₹50,000 per acre to affected farmers.

Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru, Ashok stated that the state is facing one of its worst agricultural crises. He noted that the drought conditions are becoming severe in several districts, forcing many to migrate from Kalyana, Karnataka, while farmers are in distress.

He pointed out that despite the severe drought, Congress leaders, ministers, and legislators have gone to Delhi to play political games. “This is not just Karnataka’s drought; it is the misfortune written on the foreheads of the people and farmers,” he remarked.

Ashok claimed that since Congress came to power, nearly 2,800 farmers have taken their own lives. He accused the party of being a curse for farmers whenever it is in power.

Comparing the current situation to the previous BJP government, Ashok stated that the administration was proactive in providing relief measures during droughts and floods, offering more compensation to affected farmers.

He targeted Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, questioning why the chief minister is advising farmers not to cultivate crops. “If farmers are not allowed to grow crops, what will they do? Why not declare a universal holiday for farmers?” he asked.

The BJP leader also accused the Congress government of ‘drama’ regarding the implementation of the Developed India Employment and Livelihood Mission (V.B.-G. Ram Ji) scheme, noting that the party had previously opposed this initiative but is now claiming ownership of it.

He further alleged that while water from the Cauvery River is not being made available for use in Karnataka, it is flowing uninterrupted into Tamil Nadu.

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