Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, announced that the state Assembly session has been extended by one day to allow a comprehensive legislative discussion on the worsening drought gripping the state. Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, Shivakumar confirmed that more than 200 taluks are currently facing severe drought conditions, calling the situation 'serious.'

Scale of the Drought Crisis

'The severity of the drought in the state has increased. More than 200 taluks have been affected by severe drought, and the situation is serious. Therefore, the Assembly session has been extended by one day to discuss the drought,' Shivakumar said. The extension underscores mounting pressure on the state government to demonstrate a credible response as the agricultural calendar enters a critical phase.

Legislators and public representatives had pressed for dedicated floor time to raise constituency-level concerns. Shivakumar confirmed that 'Ministers and the Deputy Chief Ministers will officially respond to the questions and suggestions raised by legislators during the proceedings.'

All-Party Delegation to Delhi for Relief Funds

In a notable show of cross-party consensus, Shivakumar said leaders of all political parties have agreed to join an all-party delegation to New Delhi to press the Centre for drought relief and financial assistance. 'It has been decided to take an all-party delegation to Delhi to discuss drought relief and assistance from the Centre. Leaders of all parties have agreed to this,' he said.

Shivakumar added that he has already written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting an appointment. 'I have written to the Prime Minister seeking time for a meeting. Once the appointment is given, an all-party delegation will be taken to Delhi,' he said. The move signals that the state is prepared to escalate its demand for central funds through unified political pressure — a strategy that has historically proved effective in unlocking faster relief disbursements.

Legislative Council Elections Also on Agenda

On the sidelines of the drought deliberations, Shivakumar addressed the upcoming Karnataka Legislative Council elections, for which four seats have been announced. Speaking near the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) office after a meeting with ministers and legislators, he expressed confidence in the party's prospects. 'We are confident of winning all four seats in the Legislative Council elections. We selected good candidates one year in advance. The party and the government will work together,' he said.

He noted that despite the ongoing Assembly session, he convened a Wednesday meeting with legislators to discuss poll strategy. 'All ministers and legislators will take responsibility and work for the elections,' Shivakumar added.

Context and What Comes Next

Karnataka has faced recurring drought cycles, with several northern and central districts chronically rain-deficient. This year, the affected taluk count crossing 200 places the crisis among the more widespread in recent memory. The state's request to the Centre comes at a time when the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) allocation process is already underway for multiple drought-hit states.

The outcome of the all-party delegation's meeting with the Prime Minister — once an appointment is confirmed — will likely determine the scale and speed of central relief flowing to Karnataka's distressed farmers and rural households.