Karnataka Minister Shivanand Patil Sparks Controversy With His Latest Comment, Read Details

Co-operative minister in Karnataka's Siddaramaiah government, Shivanand Patil, sparked a controversy on Monday stating the farmers in the state wish for drought to occur as they get free farm loan waivers from the government. The minister gave the shocking remarks at an event held in Chikkodi.

"The Krishna River water is free. As many regions in north Karnataka are hit by drought, the chief minister is even giving seeds and fertilizers for free. Now farmers are wishing for the drought to repeatedly hit the state as their loans get waived, which is not the right manner," Karnataka Minister Shivanand Patil said.

"The state will see a drought-like situation in every three or four years and the government will always be there to help the farmers," Minister Patil in his address said. "Be it Yediyurappa, HD Kumaraswamy, or Siddaramaiah, everybody wanted to help farmers during the crisis. But one must understand that it is not always possible for governments to extend help to the farmers," he further said.

The statement from a Congressman was condemned by the Karnataka BJP, who tagged the statement as 'insensitive' for farmers. The saffron front demanded Minister Patil to take back his words and apologize to the farmers.

Karnataka BJP chief Vijayendra Yediyurappa said, "It seems that Congress has adopted its culture of repeatedly insulting food donors, spoiling the lives of farmers, abusing farmers. In this background, it seems that Congress minister Sivananda Patil has been entrusted with the responsibility of insulting and belittling the farmers."

"This Congress government is insensitive, a government that nurtures thick-skinned ministers. I demand Minister Sivananda Patil to apologise immediately," Yediyurappa added.