Karnataka BJP accuses Congress government of drought relief discrimination

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka has accused the ruling Congress government of political discrimination regarding drought relief declarations. Senior BJP leaders, including Chalavadi Narayanaswamy and State President B. Y. Vijayendra, allege that the government has excluded constituencies held by Opposition members from the official drought-hit list while including those belonging to the ruling party.

Vijayendra specifically criticized the government for declaring only 101 taluks as drought-affected, claiming that over 190 taluks are actually facing drought-like conditions. The BJP also reported that authorities denied permission for a major party convention in Ballari, which Vijayendra claims is a result of government pressure on district administration.

Internal friction within the ruling party was also highlighted, as Congress MLA CS Appaji Nadagouda raised concerns that certain taluks in his constituency were deliberately omitted from the relief list. The BJP has warned of public protests if the government fails to address the needs of farmers and the drought-stricken population.