Karjol Demands Complete Farm Loan Waiver, Rs 100 Crore per District for Drought Relief

Sindhanur: BJP MP and Former Deputy Chief Minister Govind Karjol on Friday demanded a complete loan waiver for farmers in Karnataka, citing crop damage caused by inadequate rainfall and moisture deficiency.

Speaking to reporters during the BJP’s padayatra in Sindhanur, Karjol said the government should waive not only existing farm loans but also loans taken by farmers to purchase seeds and fertilisers for sowing.

He said the lack of rainfall and moisture was affecting crops and urged the government to immediately come to the aid of farmers facing losses.

“Several parts of the state were facing drinking water problems. Measures should be taken to prevent people from migrating in search of work. The government should provide employment to people in their own districts and villages so that they were not forced to leave their homes,” he said.

He alleged that the government, which he accused of being steeped in corruption, had “looted” Rs 187 crore from the state exchequer and used the money meant for Dalits for the Congress’ Lok Sabha election campaign.

“The money had come from the government treasury. Chief Minister himself was holding the Finance portfolio. Therefore, the entire government should resign and apologise to the people,” he demanded.

Karjol alleged that there had been little development in the state over the past three-and-a-half years and criticised CM DK Shivakumar for making promises without corresponding action.

He said the government had failed to discharge its responsibility of running a people-oriented and citizen-friendly administration.

He demanded that Rs 100 crore be released to every district for drought relief and drinking water measures. He called for drought-relief works to be taken up immediately and goshalas to be opened to protect livestock.