BJP Seeks White Paper on Karnataka Drought Relief Spending

The Opposition BJP in Karnataka has demanded that the State government publish a White Paper detailing its drought relief measures and the funds allocated for them, accusing the Congress administration of failing to reach people in drought-hit areas.

Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru on Sunday, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok said the government had made announcements but was yet to back them with action. He argued that the public has a right to know the government's actual financial commitment to drought relief.

The White Paper, he said, should set out the State's complete financial position, the dues owed by various departments and institutions, the government's debt burden, and the financial impact of its guarantee schemes.

Referring to the government's decision to convene a special session of the legislature, Mr. Ashok said discussion was welcome, but people and farmers needed confidence beforehand that the government had the resources and that its machinery was functioning. He urged the government to release at least ₹10 crore to each drought-hit taluk for drinking water.

He contrasted the Chief Minister's tours announcing projects worth thousands of crores with what he described as a lack of money for immediate relief to drought-affected farmers, calling the administration one of announcements without financial commitment.

On the Kasturirangan report, Mr. Ashok said conserving the Western Ghats environment was extremely important, but excessive restrictions should not be imposed on the lives, agriculture, infrastructure and livelihoods of people in Malnad. A balance was needed between the interests of local residents and the environment, he said.

Recalling the report's history, he noted that a high-level working group headed by Kasturirangan was formed during the erstwhile UPA government after the Gadgil report on the Western Ghats was presented, and that the committee submitted its report in 2013 while the UPA was in power. He said the Congress should first explain its own past stand and decisions to the people before levelling allegations against the BJP.