Kalaburagi (Karnataka), Sep 29 (NationPress) - The Karnataka BJP President and MLA, B.Y. Vijayendra, expressed on Monday that while the Congress-led government should indeed carry out the caste census, the immediate focus should be on assisting the farmers of the state.

During a media interaction targeting the state administration, Vijayendra stated, "Stop playing games with farmers. Relief must be declared without delay."

He questioned the roles of Agriculture Minister N. Chaluvarayaswamy, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, and District In-charge Ministers.

"The in-charge minister here, Priyank Kharge, seems to be living in a bubble, disconnected from ground realities," Vijayendra commented.

He critiqued Minister Kharge further, saying, "The individual lecturing the entire state should at least visit farmers' fields during such crises and respond to their hardships. The state government must own up to its responsibilities."

"Farmers are now unable to plant the next crop. Their suffering has only intensified. The state government needs to awaken from its slumber and address farmers' issues," he added.

In response to a question, Vijayendra stated, "Discussions about providing relief to farmers seem far-fetched. Is this (Congress) government even functioning? What are the Agriculture, Revenue, and In-charge Ministers doing? Are they all just sitting in Bengaluru?"

"I was meant to be in Shikaripura today and in Hubballi tomorrow. Just like the ruling party has obligations, the Opposition has its responsibilities too. If we don't advocate for farmers in their distress, this government may as well be nonexistent. I'm not engaging in politics here; I'm urging the Chief Minister to send your so-called capable Ministers to the villages. They need to see the farmers' fields firsthand. Seventy to eighty percent of crops have been ruined, and in many instances, farmers are not receiving their insurance," he remarked.

"The Congress government in the state is a government of incompetents. When Yediyurappa was the Chief Minister, he personally toured all districts to provide relief to flood victims, following the NDRF model. I bring this up hoping that at least now Siddaramaiah will awaken and respond," he stated.

"The NDRF funds will undoubtedly be provided by the Centre. But what actions is the state government taking? Do they not have any responsibilities?" Vijayendra questioned.

He also mentioned, "In Minister Priyank Kharge's own constituency of Chittapur, farmers are asking for permanent relief. The state government should finally grasp the situation and respond responsibly to resolve the issues faced by farmers."

Legislative Council Opposition leader, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, remarked that the state's development has completely stagnated, and citizens are frustrated, while Ministers appear to be in a state of apprehension.

He emphasized the need for the state government to act promptly and decisively.

Narayanaswamy stated that in certain areas, crops have been entirely wiped out.

"State BJP President Vijayendra and local leaders have visited the affected regions to draw attention to the government's inaction," he said, advocating for priority compensation for farmers.

In response to another inquiry, Narayanaswamy stated that those in authority should prioritize resolving public issues.

"Vijayendra made a decision, and we arrived here within a couple of days. Similarly, the District Ministers should have taken action, fulfilled their responsibilities, addressed farmers' problems, and ensured relief was provided," he commented regarding another inquiry.

When questioned about Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's assertion that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government would conclude following the Bihar elections, Narayanaswamy responded, "Let him focus on his own situation. He is losing support. They always make bold statements before elections, but once the results are in, they change their tune."