BJP complains to Karnataka Governor Gehlot against govt's 'apathy towards farmers'

The main opposition party claims about 600 to 700 farmers had died by suicide and that the ruling party had allegedly turned a blind eye towards the issue.

Bengaluru: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka on Tuesday slammed the State government for allegedly not coming to the aid of farmers in distress.

Former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai and Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka along with other MLAs called on Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot and submitted a memorandum complaining against the government's alleged failure to address the woes of farmers whose livelihood has been affected by the drought in the state.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the governor, Ashoka claimed that about 600 to 700 farmers had died by suicide but the State's Congress government had allegedly turned a blind eye towards the issue.

"A large number of farmers from North Karnataka are migrating in search of jobs because even after five months of drought, the government has not offered them any relief," Ashoka claimed.

The BJP leader targeted the Congress government saying its leaders blames the BJP-led Centre for the problems of the state. He said the party would launch an agitation in the coming days if the "indifferent attitude" of the government towards farmers continues.

Karnataka is facing a severe drought this year, with 221 out of 236 taluks being declared drought hit by the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in the state.