Bengaluru, Oct 19 Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday said he would lead an all-party delegation to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek relief for the state in view of the drought situation.
He expressed confidence that his letter to the Prime Minister on the issues faced by sugarcane farmers would yield results.
Speaking to reporters here, Shivakumar said leaders of opposition parties had agreed to join the delegation.
“Yes, we will meet the PM with an all-party delegation and submit a memorandum. Leaders of the opposition have said they would accompany us, as well. Let’s see, we will finalise the memorandum,” he said.
Shivakumar pointed out that the drought situation was not confined to Karnataka but affected several parts of the country.
“The drought situation is not limited to Karnataka; it prevails across the country. If the PM gives us time between the conclusion of Dasara and Karnataka Rajyotsava, I will meet him and discuss the issue. If not, I will pursue it thereafter,” he said.
On the ongoing agitation by sugarcane growers in North Karnataka seeking higher prices for their produce, Shivakumar said he had written to the PM and was hopeful of a positive outcome.
“I have written a letter to the PM regarding the issues faced by sugarcane farmers. I am confident that it will be of some benefit,” he said.
The CM said he had made efforts to safeguard the interests of sugarcane growers and called for a collective effort to resolve their problems.
“I have tried to protect the interests of sugarcane farmers. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi made efforts, but eventually the issue was again blamed on the Congress. I do not want to comment on the Centre at this stage. Everyone should come together to resolve the problems of sugarcane growers,” he said.
Shivakumar said he did not wish to politicise farmers’ issues, adding that political criticism would not deter the government from addressing their concerns.
“I do not want to do politics over this issue. What politics can one do with farmers? There are others to engage in politics. Let them continue criticising; we do not need to worry about it,” he said.
Shivakumar said the government planned to extend the Dasara illumination in Mysuru by 10 days, with an announcement expected soon.
“The plan is to continue the Dasara illumination for 10 days. An announcement will be made soon,” he said.
Responding to questions about the cultural significance of Dasara and the Kambala buffalo race, he said Karnataka’s festivals and traditions reflected the state’s rich cultural heritage and deserved encouragement.
He said Kambala had deep-rooted traditions and that buffaloes had been accorded respect since the Vijayanagara period. Owners spent Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh on raising and caring for the animals, treating them like their children, he said.
Shivakumar said the government had introduced attractions during Dasara, including an air show and Yuva Dasara, which drew young people from different states.
“Dasara is celebrated across Karnataka, including Tulu Nadu, Kalyana Karnataka, Kittur Karnataka, Kodagu, Tumakuru, Chamarajanagar and Srirangapatna. Our culture, art and literature are our assets. We must encourage and preserve them, and that is what we are doing,” he said.
The CM appealed to visitors to Mysuru for the Dasara celebrations to create reels showcasing the festivities and post them on social media.
“The best 100 reels will be awarded. They should post them by tagging Mysuru Dasara-2026,” he said.
(PTI News)
