Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Karnataka Congress Rift Grows Over Gadag Drought Declaration Dispute
Some parts of Karnataka have received much less rain than usual.
Farmers and leaders want Gadag and nearby taluks to be officially called drought-hit.
Former minister H K Patil said he would resign if Gadag taluk was not included by October 10.
He also said he would try to get the decision made before October 2.
Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy asked Chief Minister D K Shivakumar to include Gadag, Ron and Mundaragi.
He said these areas had rainfall shortages of 43% to 48%.
The government is checking areas in stages using official rules and local assessments.
Officials said more than 200 taluks may eventually be included on the drought list.
Former minister H K Patil threatened to resign if Gadag taluk was not declared drought-hit by October 10.
Patil said he would work to secure the drought-hit designation before October 2, Gandhi Jayanti.
Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy urged Chief Minister D K Shivakumar to include Gadag, Ron and Mundaragi taluks.
Rayareddy said the three taluks had rainfall deficits of 43% to 48% and needed drinking water and fodder preparations.
Revenue Minister G Parameshwara said more than 200 Karnataka taluks could eventually be assessed for drought status in phases.
- Who
- Former minister H K Patil, Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy, Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Revenue Minister G Parameshwara are central figures.
- What
- Patil threatened to resign over Gadag taluk’s drought designation, while ministers urged its inclusion and the government continued assessments.
- When
- Patil set October 10 as his resignation deadline and sought a declaration before October 2; further assessments were expected over the following days.
- Where
- Gadag, Ron and Mundaragi taluks in Karnataka, with the political dispute discussed in Bengaluru.
- Why
- The taluks reportedly face rainfall deficits of 43% to 48% and require preparations for drinking water and cattle fodder.
Supporters of Gadag Declaration
Government Assessment Process
Immediate drought designation
Supporters of Gadag Declaration
H K Patil and Basavaraj Rayareddy argue that Gadag and nearby taluks should be declared drought-hit quickly because of rainfall shortages and expected needs for drinking water and cattle fodder.
Government Assessment Process
The government says drought declarations are being made in phases according to prescribed criteria, assessments and ground-truthing.
Political pressure
Supporters of Gadag Declaration
Patil has linked the issue to his willingness to resign if Gadag is not declared drought-hit by the stated deadline.
Government Assessment Process
Revenue Minister G Parameshwara has emphasized the broader statewide assessment, saying additional taluks will be considered before decisions are made.
- Resignation deadline
- H K Patil said he would submit his resignation by October 10 if Gadag taluk was not declared drought-hit.
- Requested declaration date
- Patil sought the drought-hit designation for Gadag before October 2, Gandhi Jayanti.
- Taluks requested
- Gadag, Ron and Mundaragi.
- Rainfall deficit
- The three taluks were reported to have rainfall deficiencies of 43% to 48%.
- First drought phase
- 101 Karnataka taluks were declared drought-affected initially.
- Second phase
- Another 24 taluks were subsequently declared drought-affected.
- Potential total assessment
- More than 200 taluks could be included after phased assessments and ground-truthing.