Shivakumar’s Plea: Urgent Release of Drought Relief Funds for Karnataka

Karnataka Deputy CM and Congress State president D.K. Shivakumar has urged the Election Commission to direct the Union government to release crucial drought relief funds for the state. Highlighting the severe drought situation affecting 224 out of 236 taluks, Shivakumar emphasized the immediate need for financial assistance totaling ₹4,663 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund.

He cited Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s acknowledgment of the delay in relief due to EC restrictions, stressing that people are suffering from a lack of basic necessities like drinking water and employment. Shivakumar emphasized that the release of funds is a right for states during disasters, asserting that legal provisions and election norms do not hinder the process. He urged the EC to intervene promptly and ensure the swift allocation of funds to address Karnataka’s pressing drought crisis.