Karnataka MLA resigns over exclusion of Indi from drought list

Ashavanta Rayagoud V Patil, a Congress MLA representing the Indi constituency in Karnataka, submitted his resignation from the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday. The move is a protest against the state government's decision to exclude the Indi and Chadachan taluks of Vijayapura district from the official list of drought-hit areas.

Patil stated that despite repeated appeals, the government failed to recognize the drought status of his constituency. He expressed frustration that his requests were ignored, noting that 11 of the 13 taluks in the Vijayapura district had already been declared drought-affected. Patil also alleged that political pressure influences government recognition, claiming that mild-natured representatives are being overlooked in favor of those who exert more pressure.

This marks the second time Patil has resigned this year; his previous resignation followed his exclusion from a recent Cabinet expansion, which he later withdrew. The resignation has caused political tension in the Assembly, with the opposition BJP demanding clarification from the Speaker.