Release Rs 2,250 cr immediately, State to Centre

Chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda said that the state would urge the central government to release at least 50 per cent of the Rs 4,500 crore being sought for crop loss during the upcoming all-party visit to New Delhi.

Speaking to mediapersons on his arrival from Bangalore at the Lalitha Mahal helipad here on Sunday, Gowda said an all-party delegation comprising ministers and opposition members are expected to visit the national capital on May 2 or 3 to demand funds for providing compensation for crop loss.

He said the state government had already released Rs 438 crore for drought-relief work in the state. Mentioning that leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties had carried out visits to drought-hit areas, he said central government would be informed about the ground realities.

Replying to a query on a farmer committing suicide at H D Kote allegedly due to crop loss, Gowda said officials have been asked to submit a report about the incident. He said farmer suicides have reduced as compared to the previous years.

He said the government has been offering support price for silk and tur dal in order to provide relief to farmers. He said support price is also being given by the state government to turmeric also.  

Cabinet expansion

Elaborating on the cabinet expansion, Gowda said senior leaders would be meeting in the state capital on April 25 and a decision would be taken based on discussions.

With the chief minister holding nearly 20 ministries under his belt, demands for cabinet expansion