Bengaluru
In Bengaluru, it is claimed that only ₹324 crores have been released, contradicting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s statement of the full amount being disbursed. AAP State Organizing Secretary BT Naganna accused Siddaramaiah of making a false statement. Speaking at the party office in the city, Naganna stated that AAP district presidents had met with district commissioners to gather information. For example, Mysore district was allocated ₹13 crores for drinking water and cattle fodder under drought relief, but only ₹324 crores have been released. Tumkur district, according to Naganna, has only received ₹15 crores so far. The state government has reportedly earmarked a total of ₹35,000 crores for drought-affected areas, with a report detailing the need for funds. The central government is expected to contribute ₹18,000 crores, and Siddaramaiah has written a letter requesting this allocation. However, Naganna demands an explanation for the delayed release of the remaining ₹17,000 crores by the state government. Naganna emphasized the importance of the state government fulfilling its share before pressuring the central government. He criticized leaders of JDS, BJP, and Congress for what he called a dramatic political play. Warning of protests in all district headquarters within a week if the state government does not release drought relief funds, Naganna argued that complaining about the central government without providing due shares to farmers is unjust. Naganna also criticized the perceived neglect of Karnataka by the central government, citing instances like the 2017 floods in North Karnataka and the 2019 floods. He questioned the disparity in compensation, noting that Karnataka pays around ₹5 lakh crores in taxes annually.
