Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister G. Parameshwara on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, urged both ruling and Opposition parties to set aside political differences and forge a united position on two critical issues facing the state — the Kasturirangan report and a severe drought that has gripped most of Karnataka this year. Speaking on the floor of the Legislative Council in Bengaluru, Parameshwara called for comprehensive debate to incorporate all members' views before presenting a consensus stand to the Centre.

Kasturirangan Report: A Deadline Looms

Parameshwara stressed that the state government was required to submit its response to the seventh draft of the Kasturirangan report to the Centre within a stipulated period. He argued that only a thorough discussion within the House — drawing on perspectives from both the treasury benches and the Opposition — could produce a credible, unified position. The report, which pertains to the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats and carries significant implications for Karnataka's land use and development policies, has long been a politically contentious issue in the state.

Drought Situation: Rainfall Down 36% Across Karnataka

Parameshwara described the drought this year as exceptionally widespread, noting it was not limited to a handful of taluks but had spread across most of the state. Karnataka normally receives around 852 mm of rainfall during the relevant period, but only 642 mm had been recorded — a shortfall driven partly by an unusually intense El Niño phenomenon. The state's average rainfall deficiency stands at 36 per cent. Region-wise, South Interior Karnataka recorded the worst deficit at 46 per cent, followed by North Interior Karnataka at 44 per cent, Malnad at 38 per cent, and the coastal region at 28 per cent. Severe rainfall deficiency was reported across the state from June to September 26.

Farmers in Distress as Crops Fail Twice Over

The erratic rainfall pattern left farmers in acute distress. Many sowed crops after the onset of rains, only for those crops to dry up when rainfall ceased. When rains returned intermittently, farmers sowed again — and those crops too were damaged, deepening agricultural losses across the state.

177 Taluks Declared Drought-Hit, More Expected

Parameshwara outlined the state's step-by-step approach to drought classification under Centre's 2020 guidelines. In the first phase, 101 taluks were declared drought-hit; a subsequent addition of 23 taluks followed, and another 53 taluks are now being included, bringing the current total to 177 taluks. He indicated the process would continue, with the tally potentially approaching 200 taluks.

Parameshwara acknowledged that the state must adhere to centrally prescribed criteria while making drought declarations, warning that bypassing these norms could jeopardise relief funding. 'We are following the rules formulated by the Centre. The Centre should provide the drought relief due to the state under those rules. At the same time, the state government will not shy away from its responsibility and will continue to assess the situation and ensure relief reaches farmers,' he said.

A United Front Before the Centre

Closing his address, Parameshwara underscored that both the Kasturirangan report and the drought were matters of significant importance to Karnataka's interests and called on legislators across party lines to present a common front when engaging with New Delhi. Whether the Opposition responds to this olive branch will shape the state's negotiating strength on both fronts in the weeks ahead.