1 hr ago
BJP Urges Karnataka Government to Waive Farmers’ Loans
BJP leader R. Ashoka criticised Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar over help for farmers.
Farmers are seeking a waiver of their agricultural loans.
Ashoka said the Karnataka government should act instead of asking the Central government to take responsibility.
He also asked about several promises made in the Congress election manifesto.
These included a large agricultural fund and money for natural-disaster compensation.
Ashoka criticised the Chief Minister for viewing drought areas from a helicopter.
He said the Chief Minister should visit farms and speak directly with farmers.
He argued that money used for helicopter travel could instead help families affected by the drought.
BJP leader R. Ashoka accused Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of shifting responsibility for a farm loan waiver to the Centre.
Ashoka demanded that the State government announce its own loan waiver and provide immediate relief to farmers.
He questioned the status of Congress manifesto promises, including the Rs 1.50 lakh crore Krishi Sarvodaya Nidhi and a Rs 5,000 crore calamity fund.
Ashoka criticised Shivakumar’s aerial survey of drought-hit areas and urged him to visit farmers’ fields directly.
He said farmers in Ballari, Vijayanagara and Bagalkot needed relief rather than what he called publicity photo shoots.
- Who
- R. Ashoka, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, the Karnataka government and farmers.
- What
- Ashoka demanded a State-level farm loan waiver and relief for drought-affected farmers while criticising the Chief Minister’s approach.
- Where
- Karnataka, including the districts of Ballari, Vijayanagara and Bagalkot.
- When
- Saturday; the article does not specify a date.
- Why
- Ashoka said the State government should fulfil its own responsibilities and manifesto promises instead of shifting responsibility for farmer relief to the Centre.
Key facts
- Critic
- R. Ashoka, BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly.
- Chief Minister criticised
- D.K. Shivakumar of Karnataka.
- Main demand
- A farm loan waiver announced and funded by the State government.
- Manifesto fund questioned
- The Rs 1.50 lakh crore Krishi Sarvodaya Nidhi promised in the 2023 Assembly election manifesto.
- Natural calamity fund questioned
- A proposed Rs 5,000 crore permanent fund.
- Other promise questioned
- Interest-free agricultural loans ranging from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
- Districts named
- Ballari, Vijayanagara and Bagalkot.
Quotes
R. Ashoka
Senior BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly
“Earlier, State governments, including those led by your own party in Karnataka, had waived farmers’ loans whenever necessary and come to their aid. But today, pointing towards the Centre to escape responsibility is shameful.”
thehansindia.com
“Before the elections, you showed farmers castles in the air through your promises. After coming to power, you emptied the State treasury and are now saying the Centre should do it. This is the height of irresponsibility.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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