CH NEWS
BENGALURU
Minister Santosh Lad on Monday said the Opposition should raise the Bidadi Township project issue in the Assembly, assuring that the government would respond to all concerns.
Reacting to the JD(S) padayatra opposing the proposed township, Lad said the Opposition was free to hold protests. He also pointed out that the project had been initiated during the previous government’s tenure.
He said all aspects of the project should be discussed openly in the legislature instead of being debated only outside the Assembly.
Drought relief
Lad also urged the Centre to change NDRF norms for providing drought relief. He said farmers in Dharwad were facing difficulties despite 96% sowing being completed, as crop yields remained poor due to uneven rainfall.
He said some areas appeared green but had no actual crop yield, describing the situation as resembling a “green drought”.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had ordered a drought assessment, and the report was ready, Lad said. The report would be submitted to the Chief Minister, who would decide further action.
Lad said the Centre must intervene and conduct its assessment before drought can be officially declared under existing rules.
“Let the Opposition discuss the issue in the Assembly. We will put everything on record and respond to their questions.” Santosh Lad, Karnataka Labour Minister
BIDADI TOWNSHIP ROW
| Issue | Minister’s response |
| JD(S) protest | Opposition can hold the padayatra |
| Assembly debate | Government ready to respond |
| Project origin | Lad says it began during previous tenure |
| Government stand | All aspects should be discussed in Assembly |
DROUGHT SITUATION
Minister Santosh Lad said Dharwad farmers were facing severe distress despite 96% sowing being completed. Uneven rainfall has affected crop yields, with some areas receiving rain while others remained dry. Lad said fields appeared green in some places but had little or no crop, resembling a “green drought”. A State drought assessment report has been prepared and will be submitted to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for further action.