MLAs, farmers protest ‘failure to release drought relief’ in Karnataka

Aland MLA BR Patil and farmers stage a protest at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Kalaburagi on November 11, 2026. | Photo credit: Arun Kulkarni

Aland MLA BR Patil staged a dharna at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Kalaburagi town on November 11, accusing the central government of neglecting farmers in Karnataka and failing to respond to the state’s repeated requests for drought relief.

Mr. Patil said the state was facing one of the worst droughts in recent history, with 226 taluks declared drought-affected in 2026 following a severe deficit in southwest monsoon rainfall. Crop loss was reported on 57.93 lakh hectares, including 53.92 lakh hectares of crops, pushed by 4.0 ha crop from horti lakhs. farm families into financial distress.

He said the Karnataka government has sought assistance of ₹ 20,585.73 crore under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). Following the revision of aid norms by the Union government, the state has revised its demand to ₹22,400.58 crore.

Despite repeated statements to the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister and Union Agriculture Minister, the Center has not given appointments to state representatives or responded adequately to his recall, he alleged.

Mr. Patil demanded immediate approval and release of the revised drought relief package. He also asked for loan waivers for distressed farmers, adequate compensation for crop loss and use of the OVOCE (Farmer Registration and Unified Beneficiary Information System) database to identify eligible beneficiaries instead of relying on outdated agricultural census data.

The legislator demanded establishment of fodder banks in every gram panchayat with adequate funds to ensure supply of fodder and drinking water for livestock, along with appointment of nodal officers to monitor relief measures.

Describing the Centre’s response as discriminatory against Karnataka, he said a national calamity like drought required coordinated action within the federal system. He urged the BJP-led Union government to treat the situation as an emergency and provide immediate assistance to protect the livelihood of farmers and revive agricultural activities.

Farmer leaders and activists, including Sharanabasappa Mamshetty, MB Sajjan, Dharmraj Sahu, Umapati Patil, Kedarlingayya Hiremath and RG Shetgar, and farmers from various taluks were present.

Published – 12 Nov 2026 09:38 IST