Karnataka drought: Shivakumar calls MP meet on July 27, Assembly session from Aug 13
Synopsis
Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar is rallying all state MPs — across party lines — for an emergency New Delhi meeting on 27 July to press the Centre for drought relief, even as he sets 13 August for the Monsoon Assembly session. With the BJP-JD(S) opposition primed to go on the offensive, the drought crisis is shaping up as the defining political flashpoint of Karnataka's legislative calendar.
Key Takeaways
Shivakumar announced the state's Monsoon Legislature Session will begin on 13 August .
An all-party MP meeting has been convened at Karnataka Bhavan-1 (Kaveri), New Delhi on 27 July at 6:30 pm to discuss drought relief.
Shivakumar's letter dated 25 July cited a severe drought and urged all MPs and MLAs to attend 'without fail.' Union Ministers representing Karnataka are also expected to participate in the New Delhi meeting.
Vijayendra has said BJP and JD(S) will jointly hold the Congress government accountable during the session.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday, 26 July announced that the state's Monsoon Session of the Legislature will begin on 13 August, even as Karnataka grapples with a worsening drought that has prompted him to convene an emergency meeting of all state MPs in New Delhi on 27 July. The announcement was made while speaking to the media near the National Military Memorial at the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium in Bengaluru.
Key Developments
Shivakumar confirmed that a meeting of all MPs from Karnataka has been scheduled for 6:30 pm on Monday, 27 July at Karnataka Bhavan-1 (Kaveri) in New Delhi. The meeting will deliberate on the drought crisis gripping the state, pending infrastructure projects, and other issues requiring the Centre's intervention. Union Ministers representing Karnataka are also expected to attend.
In a letter dated 25 July, issued by the Chief Minister's Office and addressed to public representatives, Shivakumar noted that Karnataka is facing a severe drought and that several elected representatives had urged the state government to escalate the matter with the Union government.
What the Chief Minister Said
'The meeting has been called to deliberate on the drought situation in the state, pending projects and various issues requiring the Centre's attention. Union Ministers representing Karnataka will also participate in the meeting,' Shivakumar said.
He added: 'In the prevailing drought situation, everyone must work together. We expect the Central government to provide assistance during this time of crisis.'
The Chief Minister emphasised the need for a collective, cross-party effort from all political representatives to secure timely relief for affected farmers and citizens, requesting all MPs and MLAs to attend 'without fail in the larger interest of the state.'
Opposition's Stance Ahead of Assembly Session
Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra has indicated that the BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)) will jointly raise major public issues during the forthcoming Legislature session and hold the ruling Indian National Congress government accountable on matters affecting the people of the state. The opposition's coordinated approach signals a combative Monsoon Session is likely.
Drought Context and What's Next
Karnataka has been battling deficient rainfall this season, placing significant stress on the agricultural sector and rural communities. This comes amid a broader pattern of erratic monsoon behaviour across peninsular India in recent years. The state government says it is actively pursuing relief measures and infrastructure support from the Centre.
With the Assembly session set to open on 13 August, the drought crisis is expected to dominate the legislative agenda. The outcome of Monday's MP meeting in New Delhi will likely shape the state's formal relief demand to the Union government in the days ahead.
Point of View
The Congress can campaign on Centre neglect; if it delivers, Shivakumar claims credit for the push. Meanwhile, the BJP-JD(S) opposition's pledge to jointly confront the ruling party in the Monsoon Session suggests the drought will be weaponised legislatively. The real losers in this political calculus, as ever, are the farmers waiting for ground-level relief while Delhi meetings are convened.
NationPress
26 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Karnataka CM Shivakumar called a meeting of MPs in New Delhi?
Shivakumar has convened the meeting on 27 July at Karnataka Bhavan-1 in New Delhi to collectively press the Centre for drought relief and discuss pending development projects. The Chief Minister cited a severe drought affecting the state and requested all MPs and MLAs to attend without fail.
When will the Karnataka Monsoon Assembly Session begin?
The Karnataka Monsoon Session of the State Legislature is set to commence on 13 August, as announced by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on 26 July. The drought crisis and pending development issues are expected to dominate the session's agenda.
What is the drought situation in Karnataka?
Karnataka is facing a severe drought driven by deficient rainfall this monsoon season, placing significant stress on farmers and rural communities. The state government has been pursuing relief measures and is now seeking formal assistance from the Union government.
What is the BJP's position ahead of the Assembly session?
BJP Karnataka President B.Y. Vijayendra has stated that the BJP and JD(S) will jointly raise major public issues during the Monsoon Session and hold the ruling Congress government accountable. The opposition is expected to make the drought and its handling a central point of attack.
Who will attend the 27 July meeting at Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi?
All MPs and MLAs from Karnataka have been invited, and Union Ministers representing the state are also expected to participate. Shivakumar has requested attendance from representatives across party lines, framing it as a collective effort in the state's interest.
