Karnataka declares 101 taluks drought-hit amid political criticism

In Karnataka, Minister T. Raghumurthy announced that 101 taluks have been declared drought-hit based on scientific criteria and the Central Government’s ‘Drought Management Manual–2020’. Out of these, 89 taluks are facing severe drought conditions, while 12 are experiencing moderate drought. In Chidurgu district, Hiriyur, Challakere, and Hosadurga have been identified as severely drought-prone due to continuous dry weather for three weeks.

Separately, Rahul Gandhi has criticized the BJP and RSS following a ‘purification’ ritual conducted at the site of a Congress rally led by Mallikarjun Kharge in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. Gandhi described the act as a form of untouchability and a violation of the SC/ST Act, demanding that an FIR be filed against those responsible. He stated that such incidents reflect the mindset of the ruling party toward the Dalit community.