BJP blocking drought relief talks by disrupting Assembly, says Cooperation Minister

Cooperation Minister Laxman Savadi has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of deliberately stalling Assembly proceedings and squandering public resources by focusing on irrelevant matters instead of pressing concerns like drought relief.

Speaking in Vijayapura on Sunday, Savadi pointed to a contradiction in the opposition's conduct: the BJP itself had announced plans to conduct a crop loss study before the Session and promised to submit a drought impact report to the state government, yet its legislators are now blocking House business.

Opposition avoiding substantive debate

The Minister said the sustained disruption leaves no room for discussions on matters of actual importance. "In the first week of the Session, they spent talking about one person. They are not behaving as a responsible Opposition party," he said.

Savadi alleged that BJP leaders lack the courage to back their accusations with evidence, despite being repeatedly asked to present facts following sacred Parliamentary traditions.

Nagendra allegations already cleared

The attacks appear aimed at defaming a Minister, Savadi said, noting that the Lokayukta has already cleared B. Nagendra of the charge in question. He challenged the BJP to present any additional information properly rather than continuing the personal attacks.

"I pray that God gives them the wisdom to talk about relevant subjects like reduced rainfall and drought impact and the Union government's assistance in calamity relief to the State," the Minister said.

Drought survey underway, Cabinet to decide on loan waiver

Savadi confirmed that drought conditions are prevailing across the state, with surveys currently underway by the Agriculture, Horticulture and Revenue departments. Once these reports are submitted, the Chief Minister will consult with concerned Ministers and officers before the Cabinet takes a decision on loan waiver.

Responding to demands for cloud seeding, he said the Chief Minister will take the final call on the matter.

On his role in the Congress government, Savadi said his politics has remained secular through 25 years of public life across different parties. The Congress recognised his work and entrusted him with strengthening the Cooperation Department. He noted that despite the Union government creating a Ministry for Cooperation, no special schemes or projects have been introduced, and the state will continue working with existing programmes.

Source: The Hindu