Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader R. Ashoka on Thursday, 22 October sharply criticised the Karnataka government for extending the decorative illumination of Mysuru Dasara, demanding that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar instead prioritise daily three-phase electricity supply to farmers battling severe drought conditions across the state.

Ashoka alleged that while farmers watched their crops wither due to acute water shortage, the ruling government was focused on prolonging festive celebrations rather than addressing an agrarian crisis.

Ashoka's Sharp Attack on the Government

In a pointed statement, the senior BJP leader challenged CM Shivakumar directly. 'Even as drought conditions prevail in the state and farmers are shedding tears, you invited chief ministers of neighbouring states and foreign dignitaries and organised grand celebrations. Let that be; there is no objection. But will you at least now wipe the tears of our farmers who are in distress?' he said.

Ashoka pressed the government to ensure at least one hour of uninterrupted three-phase power daily to dry agricultural fields. 'Will you at least now show the concern to provide a minimum of one hour of three-phase electricity supply every day to the drying agricultural fields of farmers and bring some light into their lives?' he asked.

Dasara Extension Draws Criticism Amid Drought

The controversy centres on the government's reported decision to extend Mysuru Dasara decorative lighting by approximately 10 to 15 days beyond the festival's conclusion. Ashoka alleged that the government was spending crores of rupees on decorations in the name of Dasara while remaining unwilling to power the pump sets that farmers depend on for irrigation.

'Your pomp and show will not change the lives of farmers. Enough of extravagance; pay attention to governance,' he said, accusing the state administration of misplaced priorities during an agricultural emergency.

What CM Shivakumar Has Said on Drought

The criticism arrives against the backdrop of CM Shivakumar's own acknowledgement of the drought's severity. On Monday, the Chief Minister announced he would lead an all-party delegation to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi next week to submit a memorandum seeking drought relief for Karnataka.

Speaking at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar confirmed that Opposition leaders had expressed willingness to join the delegation. 'Yes, we will meet the Prime Minister with an all-party delegation and submit a memorandum. The Opposition leaders have also said they will accompany us. I have been waiting because drought is not limited to Karnataka; it has affected several parts of the country. If the Prime Minister gives us time between the conclusion of Dasara and Kannada Rajyotsava, we will meet him and discuss the issue,' he said.

The Broader Context: Drought and Power Crisis

Karnataka's drought conditions this season have placed significant stress on the state's farming communities, with inadequate irrigation power supply emerging as a recurring complaint. Three-phase electricity — essential for running agricultural pump sets — is frequently cited by farmer groups as irregular or unavailable during peak crop-saving periods.

This is not the first time the BJP has targeted the Shivakumar-led government over rural power supply; similar criticisms were raised earlier in the monsoon season when below-average rainfall was first reported across several districts. The juxtaposition of large-scale festive spending and persistent farm distress is likely to intensify political pressure on the government ahead of the all-party delegation's meeting with the Prime Minister.