Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara on Saturday, 18 July pushed back against criticism that the state government was prioritising its proposed Cabinet expansion over the worsening drought situation, asserting that the administration was actively managing both fronts simultaneously.

Parameshwara's Defence

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Parameshwara called out what he described as contradictory positions adopted by the media and the opposition. 'On one hand, the media says the government is functioning without a full-fledged Cabinet, and on the other hand, when the expansion is being undertaken, it says the ruling Congress is engaged in political activities while the State is facing drought,' he said.

The deputy CM stressed that the Indian National Congress (INC) government remained firmly committed to its governance responsibilities, and that both he and Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had already held meetings to assess drought-like conditions across multiple districts.

Drought Response: Districts Under Review

Parameshwara confirmed that the government had reviewed the situation in eight districts of the Belagavi division and eight districts of the Kalaburagi division. He added that he had personally reviewed conditions in his home district of Tumakuru and in Chitradurga.

A video conference with all Deputy Commissioners was scheduled for Sunday to assess ground conditions and issue directions. 'The government is concerned about what needs to be done. We are calling a meeting of all Deputy Commissioners for a review and will provide them with appropriate directions,' he said.

Funds Allocated for Water Crisis

On the financial front, the state government has released ₹5 crore per district — amounting to approximately ₹324 crore in total — specifically for drinking water requirements. Parameshwara noted that Deputy Commissioners also have between ₹600 crore and ₹700 crore available in their PD accounts, with instructions to deploy funds based on local needs. Chief Executive Officers and Deputy Commissioners have been tasked with closely monitoring the situation.

He also disclosed that Chief Minister Shivakumar and he had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Minister for Agriculture, seeking relaxation in norms for declaring drought and requesting central assistance. 'Let the Opposition ensure that funds are released by the Centre. We are not sitting idle; we are working responsibly,' Parameshwara said.

Second Airport and Other Developments

On the proposed second airport for Bengaluru, Parameshwara reiterated his preference for locating it in Tumakuru, noting that the district serves as a transit point for people from nearly 20 districts. However, he acknowledged that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) would make the final call, following a technical committee report that reportedly identified Bidadi and Nelamangala as potential sites, according to Industries Minister M.B. Patil.

On the Bidadi township project, Parameshwara said the initiative was originally launched by Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy before being shelved, and that Chief Minister Shivakumar was now giving it 'a new shape,' with an assurance that farmers' land would not be acquired forcibly. The deputy CM also said the government had expedited the e-Swathu programme — a property documentation initiative — in coordination with the Rural Development and Revenue departments.

With the video conference of Deputy Commissioners set for Sunday and central drought assistance still pending, the coming days will test whether the Karnataka government can convert its stated urgency into measurable relief on the ground.