Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka on Wednesday, 22 July alleged that more than 2,800 farmers have died by suicide since the Congress government assumed power in Karnataka, accusing the state administration of failing to mount an adequate response to what he described as one of the worst agrarian crises in recent memory.

Key Allegations and Demands

Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Ashoka demanded that the state government immediately declare drought across Karnataka and provide compensation of ₹50,000 per acre to affected farmers. He cited a 42 per cent rainfall deficit recorded in Karnataka in June, with the shortfall reportedly standing at 43 per cent in the Malenadu region, 35 per cent in the coastal belt, 33 per cent in North Interior Karnataka, and 31 per cent in South Interior Karnataka.

Ashoka further alleged that 31 farmers had died by suicide over the past two months alone, including six in Vijayapura, five in Mysuru, four in Haveri, and three in Chikkamagaluru, among others. He claimed that drought had already been declared in 157 taluks and that nearly 80 per cent of agricultural activity had come to a standstill.

Political Charge: 'Congress Leaders in Delhi While Farmers Suffer'

The BJP leader levelled a sharp political charge, alleging that Congress ministers and MLAs had travelled to Delhi for political meetings even as drought conditions intensified. “Despite the severe drought ravaging the state, Congress leaders, Ministers and MLAs have gone to Delhi to engage in political manoeuvring. This is not Karnataka’s drought — it is the misfortune written on the foreheads of the people and farmers,” Ashoka said.

Targeting Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Ashoka quoted the CM as having advised farmers against cultivating crops, and asked: “If farmers are not supposed to grow crops, what should they do? Why not declare a universal holiday for farmers?” The Congress government has not responded to these specific allegations as of the time of this report.

Ground Conditions: Livestock, Migration, and Dried Fields

Ashoka said he had personally visited Malavalli, where he witnessed vast stretches of dried sugarcane fields and widespread agricultural losses. He alleged that the drought had triggered forced migration in Kalyana Karnataka and that farmers were being compelled to sell cattle to butchers due to a shortage of fodder.

This comes amid broader concerns about the Cauvery water situation, with Ashoka alleging that water was not being made available for use within Karnataka while continuing to flow to Tamil Nadu.

Criticism of Relief Mechanism and SDRF Utilisation

The Opposition leader also took aim at Revenue Minister G. Parameshwara, questioning the state’s approach to seeking central assistance. He noted that the minister had sought reports from Deputy Commissioners while simultaneously demanding ₹10,000 crore from the Centre, asking how grants could be released without a ground-level report first being submitted. Ashoka urged the state government to immediately utilise funds under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and prepare a comprehensive report to secure central relief.

He also accused the Congress government of claiming ownership of the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (VB-G RAM G) scheme, alleging the party had initially opposed the initiative before reversing course.

What Comes Next

With the monsoon deficit deepening and the Opposition intensifying pressure, the Congress-led Karnataka government faces mounting calls to formally declare a statewide drought and release immediate compensation. Whether the state acts on the SDRF utilisation demand and submits a timely report to the Centre will be closely watched in the coming days.