Bengaluru, Dec 9 (NationPress) In a fierce critique of the Congress-led administration, the Karnataka BJP has accused the state government of neglecting the agricultural community, stating that during its two-and-a-half-year tenure, 2,422 farmers have tragically taken their own lives, positioning Karnataka as the second-highest state in the nation for farmer suicides.

While addressing the Assembly, R. Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition and a senior BJP member, remarked: "In just two-and-a-half years, 2,422 farmers have ended their lives, including 32 who were involved in sugarcane farming. Karnataka's share of these incidents is a staggering 22.5%, trailing only behind Tamil Nadu at 5.9% and Andhra Pradesh at 8%. This is the record of the Congress administration."

He highlighted that out of 86.81 lakh farmer families in the state, nearly 70% belong to these households. According to the Agriculture Department's vision report, food security is promised, yet Chief Minister Siddaramaiah insists that Rs 2,000 is disbursed monthly to all female heads of families in Karnataka.

Moreover, he alleged that funding for families is being sourced through liquor price hikes.

"They remain ensnared in the false illusions of guarantees. With the treasury depleting due to these promises, relief for droughts has been postponed without any aid provided," claimed Ashoka.

He criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for failing to uphold his commitments regarding issues in northern Karnataka and for showing a lack of sensitivity towards farmers. Despite Siddaramaiah's assertions of being a government that delivers on its promises, Ashoka pointed out that, "On May 20, 2008, he advocated for setting prices of farmers' produce based on production costs and establishing a revolving fund of Rs 5,000 crore. Yet, in his tenure, nothing has been accomplished in this regard."

During the lead-up to the state Assembly elections, it was stated that a fund for natural disaster management would be created, yet even after floods impacted many areas in North Karnataka, no financial assistance has materialized.

"The promises to defer loan repayments, raise milk incentives to Rs 7, and allocate Rs 500 crore for grape farmers in North Karnataka have all gone unfulfilled," he added.

Regarding sugarcane pricing, Ashoka noted that Congress leaders claim the Central government sets these rates. However, the Supreme Court has mandated that the state provide additional financial support. He criticized state ministers for their lack of initiative in appealing to the Prime Minister, describing their meeting with Narendra Modi as mere formalities.

In response, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urged the opposition to refrain from false claims and to base their critiques on accurate information.

While discussing issues affecting North Karnataka, Ashoka insisted that the state government had failed to compensate farmers and that funds were insufficient.

State Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda intervened, stating that compensation had been disbursed to 38 lakh farmers last year, and despite multiple appeals to the Union government, no financial assistance had been received. He noted that the state had allocated Rs 2,245 crore in compensation.

This exchange led to a heated debate, resulting in Speaker U.T. Khader adjourning the House for ten minutes.

Upon reconvening, CM Siddaramaiah emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum during discussions and respecting the speakers, criticizing the disruptive nature of legislative proceedings.