Karnataka will seek Central aid after declaring drought: CM

The Cabinet sub-committee had met once and discussed the situation in Karnataka following rain deficiency. Based on its report, the Cabinet will take a call on declaring drought in places where rainfall was deficient. The State will seek relief from the Centre as per the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) guidelines.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the Cabinet sub-committee on drought is expected to meet either on August 29 or 30. Its findings on the situation in Karnataka will be placed before the State Cabinet before affected taluks are declared drought-hit. After drought is pronounced, Karnataka will approach the Centre for financial assistance, which will be followed by an inspection of the affected areas by a Central team before aid is released.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru on August 28, Mr. Siddaramaiah, who is on a three-day visit to the city, said the Cabinet sub-committee had met once and discussed the drought situation. Based on its report, the Cabinet will take a call on declaring drought in places where rainfall was deficient. The State will seek relief from the Centre as per the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) guidelines.

The Chief Minister said drought-relief work will be taken up in affected taluks.

To a question on whether the State has any plans of going for cloud-seeding, he asked, “Did cloud seeding help bring rains in the past? Tell me when was it (cloud seeding) successful?”

In reply to questions on some BJP leaders planning to join the Congress, he said anybody can join our party provided they accept the party’s ideology.

The Chief Minister did not give a reply when asked whether former minister and senior BJP leader Ramesh Jarkiholi was planning to join the Congress.

When asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi not meeting State BJP leaders during his recent visit to Bengaluru, Mr Siddaramaiah asked, “Where is the BJP in Karnataka? Is the party existing in the State?”