Bengaluru: Jairam Ramesh, a prominent Congress leader, has drawn attention to several critical issues affecting Karnataka ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Shivamogga.
Taking to X, Jairam underscored the pressing need for assistance from the central government to address these concerns.
Firstly, Jairam emphasized the severe water crisis in Karnataka, affecting a majority of talukas and necessitating urgent drought relief measures. He highlighted the state government’s request for Rs 18,172 crore assistance from the central government to tackle this crisis effectively.
Secondly, he questioned the lack of support from the Narendra Modi government regarding the implementation of the MGNREGA scheme in Karnataka.
He called for the extension of the scheme and timely release of funds for wage payments to workers, especially considering the proposal to increase the working days, from 100 to 150, under MGNREGS to mitigate the impact of the drought on the rural economy.
Thirdly, Jairam raised concerns about disruptions in the Anna Bhagya Scheme, accusing the Modi government of initially agreeing to supply rice to Karnataka but later retracting through the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
Lastly, he highlighted the familial connections of key BJP leaders in Karnataka, such as Raghavendra Yediyurappa and Vijayendra Yediyurappa, sons of former BJP Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa. He called for clarity from the Prime Minister on the BJP’s stance regarding dynasty politics, particularly in Karnataka, during his visit to Shivamogga.