B.Y. Vijayendra Demands ₹50,000 Per Acre Relief For Karnataka Farmers Amid Rainfall Deficit

BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra on Sunday urged the Karnataka government to provide immediate financial assistance to farmers, alleging that poor rainfall has left more than 30 lakh hectares of agricultural land uncultivated across the state.

Speaking at a press conference at the airport, Vijayendra claimed that districts such as Bidar, Kalaburagi and Yadgir had received only around 12 per cent of their normal rainfall, pushing farmers into severe distress.

He alleged that the failure of the monsoon had prevented the sowing of major crops, including pigeon pea (togari), sunflower and cotton.

Vijayendra urged the state government to announce compensation of at least ₹50,000 per acre for farmers affected by crop losses, saying immediate relief was needed.

The BJP leader also criticised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's recent visit to Basavakalyan, calling it a "photo shoot" and alleging that it had not resulted in any tangible relief for farmers.

Referring to the Anubhava Mantapa project, Vijayendra said the previous BJP government led by former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa had released ₹100 crore initially, followed by another ₹200 crore, towards the project, which he said was estimated to cost nearly ₹500 crore. He alleged that the Congress government had failed to take the project forward over the past three years and urged it to release the remaining funds.

On the reported differences within the BJP's Bidar district unit, Vijayendra said the party had convened a core committee meeting to discuss and resolve the issues.

He also denied allegations of any "adjustment politics" between BJP MLAs and the ruling Congress in Bidar, maintaining that the BJP would continue to function as a strong opposition and raise issues concerning farmers and the public.

Vijayendra said the BJP's core committee would draw up a roadmap for district and state leaders to intensify the party's response to what he described as the worsening agrarian crisis in the region.