Drought distress: Not the time for politics

The Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (S)’s decision to boycott the Karnataka delegation seeking drought relief from the Centre is difficult to justify. At a time when farmers need every possible avenue of support, their absence weakens the collective effort to secure assistance from New Delhi. The scale of the crisis leaves little room for one-upmanship. Karnataka has received 36% less rainfall than normal, with 177 of its 240 taluks declared drought-affected. Kharif crop losses are estimated at Rs 18,000 crore, while water scarcity and rural distress threaten livelihoods. Led by Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, the delegation seeks to impress upon the Prime Minister and Union Finance Minister the urgency of adequate and timely assistance. Leader of Opposition R Ashoka and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy have dismissed the initiative as political theatre, questioning the need for an all-party delegation and citing travel costs. These objections lack substance, given the gravity of the situation. The state is seeking substantial financial support, and a united front would strengthen its case. The Opposition itself has sought compensation of Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000 per acre, and this is the moment to press the issue before the Centre. Refusing to participate may make the demand appear rhetorical rather than genuine.The BJP has 17 of 28 Lok Sabha seats, giving it considerable parliamentary representation to advance Karnataka’s interests. Yet the state has repeatedly complained of inadequate central assistance and discrimination in the release of funds, with its BJP MPs facing criticism for failing to use their influence effectively. The suggestion that BJP leaders fear displeasing the central leadership remains a partisan allegation, but their refusal to participate does little to dispel the perception that party interests have prevailed over farmers’ needs. Tamil Nadu’s example of political parties setting aside differences on issues affecting the state offers a lesson worth emulating.The urgency of a united approach is reinforced by the experience of 2024, when Karnataka had to approach the Supreme Court over delayed drought relief. The Centre eventually sanctioned Rs 3,498.98 crore against the state’s demand for Rs 18,171 crore. This shortfall makes a forceful, collective representation all the more important. The opposition is entitled to hold the government accountable for its handling of the crisis. But criticism cannot substitute for constructive action when livelihoods are at stake. Farmers struggling with crop losses deserve better than political point-scoring from those elected to represent them.

Source: Deccan Herald