Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Karnataka CM Seeks Central Aid Amid Drought and Power Shortages
Karnataka is facing a serious drought, with more than 200 areas affected.
Many farmers have lost crops.
The state also has less water and less electricity than it needs.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar wants the Central government to provide financial help.
An all-party group may travel to Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The state is also asking sugar factories to provide electricity they generate.
Officials are considering thermal power plants to help increase electricity supplies.
Shivakumar said the BJP is using the financial situation for political criticism.
More than 200 Karnataka taluks are reportedly facing drought conditions and crop damage.
D.K. Shivakumar said Karnataka needs immediate interim relief and further Central assistance.
An all-party delegation plans to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi after securing an appointment.
The state is facing increased water shortages, reduced power generation, and costly electricity purchases.
Shivakumar rejected BJP criticism of Karnataka’s finances and accused the Opposition of politicising the issue.
- Who
- Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, the Karnataka government, the Central government, and the BJP.
- What
- Karnataka is seeking drought relief while addressing crop losses, water shortages, and a power shortage.
- When
- Shivakumar made the remarks on Thursday; the delegation will travel after securing an appointment.
- Where
- The remarks were made in Bengaluru, and the proposed delegation would meet the Prime Minister in Delhi.
- Why
- More than 200 taluks reportedly face drought, crops have been damaged, and water and power shortages are worsening.
Karnataka Government
BJP Opposition
Drought assistance
Karnataka Government
Shivakumar says providing assistance to Karnataka is the Prime Minister’s duty and that immediate interim relief is needed.
BJP Opposition
The article does not provide the BJP’s specific response to the drought-relief request.
State finances
Karnataka Government
Shivakumar says Finance Department warnings are routine, were issued under earlier governments too, and are being politicised by the BJP.
BJP Opposition
The BJP is protesting over Karnataka’s financial situation and describing the state economy as “dead.”
- Affected areas
- More than 200 taluks in Karnataka are reportedly facing drought.
- Requested assistance
- The state is seeking immediate interim relief and additional Central assistance.
- Planned delegation
- An all-party delegation plans to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi after receiving an appointment.
- Power costs
- Shivakumar said several states were purchasing electricity at Rs 20-22 per unit.
- Electricity measures
- The government plans to ask sugar factories to supply electricity generated by their units.
- Further power plans
- The government is exploring thermal power plants where feasible.