Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister G. Parameshwara on Thursday, 22 October renewed his appeal to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders to join an all-party delegation to New Delhi to press the Centre for drought relief, asserting that the state's interests must override political differences. The appeal came as the estimated damage from the drought crisis in Karnataka has reached approximately ₹62,000 crore, officials said.

Parameshwara's appeal to the opposition

Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, Bengaluru, Parameshwara said opposition parties must set aside minor political differences on matters that directly concern the welfare of the state's people. He emphasised that the government's primary objective was securing financial assistance from the Centre for drought-hit communities across Karnataka.

'Securing drought relief from the Centre is the main objective of this all-party delegation. It is not right to indulge in politics by raising minor issues instead of focusing on this purpose,' he said, stressing that responding to people's distress must take precedence over political considerations.

Why the delegation date is yet to be finalised

Parameshwara clarified that appointments needed to be confirmed with the Prime Minister, the Union Home Minister, and the Union Agriculture Minister before the delegation's travel could be scheduled. He noted that it was administratively impossible to fix a date without those confirmations in place.

Drawing from his own experience as Sericulture Minister, he recalled leading an earlier delegation to Delhi on silk industry concerns — a visit where the appointment with the then-Prime Minister, the late P.V. Narasimha Rao, had not been confirmed before the group's arrival, causing friction within the delegation. Rao subsequently granted the audience after Parameshwara personally appealed, citing opposition pressure. 'It is not possible to suddenly decide on a date and take a delegation to Delhi. Do the BJP leaders, who have governed the state in the past, not understand these administrative procedures?' he asked.

Scale of drought damage and NDRF norms

Officials are currently calculating the quantum of relief that Karnataka can formally seek, as the entire ₹62,000 crore estimated loss cannot be claimed outright. The eligible compensation amount must be computed under National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) guidelines, and the state's request will be structured accordingly. Parameshwara confirmed that the submission would adhere strictly to those norms.

Next steps after Dasara

With the Dasara festivities having concluded, Parameshwara said the government would convene an all-party meeting for a fresh round of consultations with leaders across parties before seeking appointments with Union ministers. BJP leaders and other opposition representatives would be invited again. 'If they join us, we will be happy. If they do not, what can we do? As the government in the state, we must approach the Centre and seek relief in the interests of the people. That is our responsibility,' he said.

On a separate query about whether Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's forthcoming Delhi visit could touch on a Cabinet reshuffle, Parameshwara said Shivakumar had scheduled meetings with Union Ministers on Karnataka's developmental concerns and could naturally meet All India Congress Committee (AICC) leaders during the trip — though he added he had no further details on that front. He also confirmed that appointments to state boards and corporations would proceed soon, in line with the Chief Minister's announcement.