JOIN USLeader of the Opposition, Siddaramaiah, on Friday strongly vouched for complete waiver of crop loans to farmers in the wake of severe drought in the State.
In continuance of his preliminary submission on the drought in the Assembly, he said the entire State had been affected by drought. Farmers across the State are left with only two options –– either to commit suicide or indulge in criminal activities. Hence, immediate steps should be taken to bail them out, he added.
Nearly, 90 per cent of the crops in rain-fed areas have failed. About 70 per cent of the sowing done in kharif season has been damaged. There is also an acute scarcity of drinking water. Small and medium farmers, especially, those in north Karnataka, are migrating to the neighbouring states in search of jobs, he added.
The ruling party leaders are busy in power politics instead of taking steps to mitigate the sufferings of people. Leaders have been hosting luncheons and dinners to their followers. “There was a dinner at Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar’s house and one at the residence of former chief minister Sadananda Gowda. There was also a meeting today. If this continues, where is the time for government to think of drought?” he asked.
Siddaramaiah also suggested several measures to provide relief to the affected people. They include ensuring drinking water supply, taking up of soil and water conservation, constructing small ponds, taking up desilting of tanks and filling of 4,003 vacancies in the Raitha Samparka Kendras.
‘Where are the MLAs?’
Siddaramaiah took a dig at the Government as majority of members on the Treasury benches were absent and the house wore a deserted look.
“We are discussing a serious matter like drought and the ruling party members are not present. All of the Yeddyurappa’s followers are away. Where they have gone?” he questioned.