BJP condemns Siddaramaiah and ministers' lavish private jet voyage amid state's drought crisis

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his cabinet ministers have come under fire after a video surfaced showing them aboard a private jet while the state grapples with a severe drought. The Opposition BJP criticized the move, accusing the Congress ministers of lavish spending of taxpayers' money while the region's farmers suffer from crop losses and water scarcity.

State BJP chief Vijayendra Yediyurappa lambasted the incident, labeling it a "crude mockery" of the distress faced by Karnataka's populace. Sharing the video on X, Yediyurappa highlighted the insensitivity of Congress leaders flaunting luxury while the state reels from agricultural crises and inadequate rainfall.

Highlighting the severity of the situation, Yediyurappa emphasized the dire need for developmental initiatives and aid during this crisis, noting the lack of government-led efforts to alleviate the conditions on the ground.


Referencing a past incident involving a Congress MP, Yediyurappa Jr took a dig at Congress MP Dhiraj Prasad Sahu, recalling the colossal cash seizure of Rs 350 crore from Sahu's properties, deeming it a reminiscent episode of "Money Heist" and pointing out the irony of such extravagance against a backdrop of acute drought.


Siddaramaiah's recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to expedite drought relief worth Rs 18,177.44 crore for the state stands in stark contrast to the optics presented by the private jet video. The CM highlighted the plight of small and marginal farmers, indicating that 223 out of 236 taluks have been affected by the drought, impacting over 48.19 lakh hectares of farmland.

The state government's memorandum seeking relief was submitted three months ago, emphasizing the urgency of the matter. Siddaramaiah urged the Centre to consider updated farmer population data for relief allocation, showing proactive steps to address the crisis. A central team had previously visited the state and submitted a report in response to the memorandum, with Siddaramaiah raising the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well.