Opposition questions state fund use for farmer relief

Bengaluru, 5 September – BJP senior leader R. Ashoka raised questions in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly about the handling of farmer debt waivers by Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar. According to Ashoka, the CM is attributing the waiver to a central fund, which the opposition calls a false narrative. He reminded the government of its promises in the 2023 manifesto, such as a massive ₹1.5 lakh crore agricultural uplift fund and a ₹5,000‑crore natural calamities reserve, and asked for an update on their deployment. Ashoka also highlighted Congress’s claim of providing interest‑free loans of ₹3‑10 lakh to farmers, urging the state to honor those pledges. He criticized a recent aerial survey over drought‑affected districts, arguing that on‑site interaction is essential for genuine relief.