Karnataka drought dispute sparks resignation threat from MLA H. K. Patil

A political dispute has emerged in Karnataka following Gadag MLA H. K. Patil’s proposal to resign over the state government’s handling of drought conditions. Patil expressed dissatisfaction with the administration's response to the severe drought affecting farmers.

Congress MLC Dinesh Gooligowda has urged Patil to reconsider his resignation, defending the government’s drought assessment process. Gooligowda stated that the identification of drought-affected areas follows scientific parameters and central guidelines, including rainfall deficiency, crop damage, and groundwater levels. He noted that the list of affected taluks would be reviewed and revised in phases.

The Janata Dal (Secular) (JD-S) has used Patil’s concerns to criticize the Congress government, alleging inaction and a “Bengaluru-centric approach” to administration. The JD(S) claimed that several taluks with rainfall deficits of 40 to 60 per cent have not been declared drought-hit and questioned the efficiency of the administrative machinery in responding to the crisis.