Parameshwara: Government to Follow Central Criteria before Drought Declaration

Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister G. Parameshwara told journalists in Bengaluru on Wednesday that Karnataka is conducting a comprehensive appraisal of drought conditions. He said the administration has received verification reports for 102 taluks and will put the matter before the cabinet at its next meeting.

Parameshwara emphasized that any official announcement will be made only after the state satisfies the parameters laid down by the Union government. He added that the drought status will be evaluated every week.

He pointed out that the Bharatiya Janata Party formed its own investigative teams but failed to present their conclusions in the legislature or forward a report to the chief minister or him.

Highlighting the scarcity of drinking water and the devastation of crops, Parameshwara urged the opposition to address these crises constructively rather than using the assembly as a stage for political drama. He also confirmed that internal reservation policies have already been enacted in Karnataka after a lengthy struggle.

Questions about possible resignations and reshuffles were answered with a reminder that such decisions depend on the party leadership, not on individual ministers.