Shobha Karandlaje accuses HDK govt of neglecting rain-hit coastal districts

Udupi, May 31: Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje has slammed the chief minister H D Kumaraswamy led-coalition government for what she felt the lack of importance given to the relief measures in the areas affected by heavy rain which had resulted in six deaths in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts.

Speaking to presspersons here, the BJP leader said that such heavy rain had not been seen in both these districts, especially Dakshina Kannada, for a long time. But for the last fortnight, there has been no Ministry in the State, there was only a Chief Minister and a Deputy Chief Minister, she said.

Since the Congress and Janata Dal(S) politicians were busy lobbying for loaves and fishes of office, the bureaucrats had taken it easy. It was essential that Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy ordered the officers to give priority to providing relief and assistance in the rain-affected areas, she said.

To another query, Karandlaje said that it was imperative for Mr. Kumaraswamy to waive loans taken by farmers from nationalised banks and cooperative banks. This was because in the last four days, nearly 10 farmers had committed suicide in the State unable to bear the loan burden, she said.