Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashoka, criticized the Congress government for continuously releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu despite worsening water conditions in the Cauvery basin. Ashoka threatened to block the Krishna Raja Sagar reservoir with the BJP and farmers if the releases did not stop. He accused Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of neglecting Karnataka’s farmers while prioritizing political interests.
Ashoka highlighted the struggles faced by farmers in the Cauvery basin due to inadequate rainfall and drying farmlands. He demanded an immediate Irrigation Consultative Committee meeting to evaluate water availability and address farmers’ concerns. The Opposition leader urged the government to halt water releases to Tamil Nadu and ensure irrigation for local crops through village water sources.
Expressing discontent with the government’s actions, Ashoka warned of escalating protests if the Irrigation Consultative Committee meeting was not convened promptly. He criticized the government for allegedly abandoning promises to Below Poverty Line families, citing delays in implementing the Indira Food Kit scheme. Ashoka accused the government of misleading the poor with unfulfilled commitments and administrative failures.
The BJP leader called for the government to fulfill its obligations to BPL families and deliver the promised benefits without further delays. Ashoka criticized the government for its handling of nutrition schemes, alleging financial constraints and internal disputes hindering the distribution of essential supplies. He emphasized the need for immediate corrective actions to address what he termed as deceptive government policies.
