Karnataka: Drought-hit taluk selection based on rainfall data, not discretion, says CM Shivakumar

Bengaluru: Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday said that the political executive has no discretion in declaring taluks as drought-hit, clarifying that the rainfall data dictates the selection.

The CM’s clarification in the assembly followed the resignation of Congress MLA Yashvantharayagowda Patil, who quit protesting the exclusion of Indi and Chadachana taluks in Vijayapura district from the drought list. Patil alleged that lobbying by certain legislators had swayed the selection process. His resignation, however, was not accepted.

Rejecting claims of bias, Shivakumar said the government does not discriminate along party lines across the state's 224 constituencies.


"Drought declarations follow strict statutory criteria, including a 21-day dry spell and specific rainfall deficit thresholds. Even though my own constituency, Kanakapura, received rain in only one pocket, I did not intervene to add it to the list," Shivakumar said. He added that the evaluation process was delegated to Deputy CM G Parameshwara, who holds the revenue portofolio.

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Sympathising with Patil’s move, Shivakumar noted that the MLA acted out of concern for distressed local farmers. "He is under immense pressure from his constituents, and it is natural to feel emotional. I met him, pacified him, and addressed his concerns before coming to the House," the CM said, confirming the resignation would not be accepted in haste.

Shivakumar also targeted the Opposition for politicising the issue, urging lawmakers to engage in constructive debate instead of staging protests.

"The Prime Minister has highlighted the severe drought conditions, and we have assessed ground realities across various regions. During the last session, the opposition stalled discussions on drought. This session has been convened specifically to enable all MLAs to represent their areas," he said.

The CM said the government intervened, including with cloud-seeding.

"Ultimately, our assessment reports go to the Centre for final determination and funds. Farmers across the state have borrowed loans, and securing adequate compensation for them remains our primary focus," he said, calling upon MLAs to use their five-year mandate to campaign for relief for farmers.