Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday, 25 July signalled that the state Cabinet is likely to be expanded next week, while directing all Ministers to prioritise drought relief and ensure that farmers across the state do not suffer. He made the remarks at the Bengaluru Regional Division-level Development Progress Review Meeting held in Chitradurga.

Cabinet Expansion and Call for Unity

Shivakumar told Ministers and legislators that the impending Cabinet reshuffle must be followed by collective action, not individual silos. 'The Cabinet may be expanded next week. Once that happens, all Ministers must join hands and work together. We must collectively assess the drought situation across the state and ensure that farmers in villages do not suffer. This is our responsibility,' he said.

He also indicated that the Karnataka Assembly session could begin on 6 August or during the second week of August, noting that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls had contributed to delays in convening the session.

Ground Assessment in Chitradurga

Earlier on Saturday, the Chief Minister visited agricultural fields at Vaddikere village in Hiriyur taluk of Chitradurga district to assess the on-ground impact of the drought on farmers. Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, and MLA T. Raghumurthy accompanied him during the visit. Officials briefed Shivakumar on the prevailing conditions in the region.

Drought Relief Directives

Shivakumar laid out specific administrative instructions to tackle the drought. District administrations have been authorised to spend up to ₹1 crore per Assembly constituency in rural areas to secure drinking water supply. He directed officials to maintain full transparency in all drought-relief measures, including recording GPS coordinates of newly drilled borewells and documenting all related decisions.

'There should be no shortage of drinking water for people and livestock under any circumstances. Officials must also ensure adequate fodder supply and repair RO plants wherever necessary,' he said.

He also cautioned farmers against sowing crops in anticipation of future rainfall or reservoir releases. 'If they proceed and incur losses, they will have to bear the responsibility. Officials must actively promote crop insurance,' he added.

Reservoir Levels and Cauvery Water

Shivakumar noted that water levels in most reservoirs, barring Almatti, remained poor. He reiterated that Karnataka had informed the concerned committee that it was not in a position to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu at this time. He also cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's warning about the impact of El Nino, saying the signal must not be ignored.

The Chief Minister added that the state government had apprised the Prime Minister of Karnataka's drought situation, and that a delegation led by Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara would soon meet him to present ground realities.

Governance and Public Grievance Reforms

Emphasising administrative outreach, Shivakumar urged legislators and officials to function as 'Team Karnataka' and ensure governance reaches every citizen's doorstep. He directed district in-charge Ministers to hold public grievance meetings in every Assembly constituency on the first and third Saturdays of each month, irrespective of political affiliations.

He highlighted the newly established Praja Seva Department, created to address public grievances more effectively, and said the government was also examining the use of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for rural development and school infrastructure. He acknowledged that some Gruha Lakshmi scheme benefits had allegedly been transferred to fake accounts and said the matter was under review.

With the Cabinet expansion imminent and a delegation set to meet the Prime Minister, the coming weeks will be a critical test of the Karnataka government's drought response and administrative cohesion.