Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], October 4 : Karnataka LoP and BJP MLA R Ashoka on Saturday criticised the Congress government over its handling of flood and crop damage in the state.
Speaking to reporters here, R Ashoka said that around 10-12 lakh hectares of crop have been damaged due to rain in the state but the government has not provided compensation yet.
The BJP leader said, "It has been two months since the rains started. 10-12 lakh hectares of crops have been damaged. 52,000 hectares of crops have been damaged in Vijayapura district. The state government has not given compensation for crop damage so far...Two farmers have died by suicide. This was because of the injustice you have done."
He further questioned the Congress-led administration's response, asking, "The Congress asks why the BJP came after the floods had stopped. Have the floods subsided now? Why haven't you visited the flood-affected areas? Where are the ministers? This is a government that is making farmers' lives miserable."
Ashoka also highlighted the condition of flood-affected people during the recent festive season, saying, "Flood-affected people did not celebrate Dussehra...They did not eat happily, but they celebrated with tears in their eyes, filling their houses with water. If there is a meal, the farmers have to wash their hands with tears in their eyes."
On September 30, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced that a combined package amounting to more than Rs 2000 to 2500 crore will be provided as compensation, as crops have been damaged in an area of 10 lakh hectares in the state due to excessive rainfall in four districts of the State.
At a press conference in Kalaburagi, Karnataka CM said, "After the aerial survey, I had a lengthy discussion with the Ministers, MLAs, and officials, reviewing the situation in the four districts: Kalaburagi, Bidar, Yadgir, and Vijayapura, regarding the flood situation."
The Chief Minister further said that 117 villages across the four districts are in "distress", and 80 care centres have been opened. Siddaramaiah noted that the water released from Maharashtra, combined with excessive rainfall in all four districts, has increased the level of disaster and distress.
"It is estimated that crops have been damaged in an area of 10 lakh hectares in the state. This may increase further. It will be clear after the joint survey is completed. Currently, the joint survey has been completed in only 5 lakh hectares. As soon as the survey is completed, the money will be transferred to the accounts," Siddaramaiah assured.