![Water Shortage, MGNREGA, Dynastic Politics: Congress’ Check List For PM Modi Ahead Of Karnataka Rally](https://assets.timelinedaily.com/j/1203x902/2024/01/jairam-ramesh-e1716125216395.jpg)
Jairam Ramesh Points Out Issues In Karnataka Ahead Of Prime Minister’s Rally
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Karnataka’s Shivamogga today, has highlighted the key issues of the state.
In a post on X, Jairam Ramesh emphasised the critical condition of the MGNREGA workers and others in Karnataka. He highlighted the fact that 223 out of the state’s 236 taluks are facing drought conditions, leading to an acute water shortage. Thus to solve the ongoing crisis, the state government has requested Rs 18,172 crore from the central government for drought relief.
The Prime Minister is in Shivamogga, Karnataka today. We hope he addresses some of the key issues in the state in his address:
1.Karnataka is reeling under an acute water crisis due to severe drought situation in most parts of the state, with 223 of the state’s 236 Talukas…
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) March 18, 2024
The Congress leader thus questions Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not addressing these pressing issues in the state. He also criticised the government regarding its failure to approve the extension of the MGNREGA scheme and release Rs 16000 crore for wage payments to workers.
In order to mitigate the impact of the drought condition of the state, the Karnataka government has proposed extending the MGNREGA working days from 100 to 150, as permissible during the drought period. And thus the Congress leader has urged the Prime minister to act accordingly and to ensure timely payment of wages to MGNREGA workers in Karnataka.
Secondly, he pointed out his concern regarding the Anna Bagya scheme. Under this scheme, the Karnataka government provides an additional 5 kg of rice to poor families in Karnataka. Jairam Ramesh accused the PM Modi government of initially agreeing to sell rice to the Karnataka government but later refused to do so through the Food Cooperation of India (FCI).
He concluded his post by addressing the topic of “dynasty” politics. He highlighted the familial connections of key BJP leaders in Karnataka. “The Lok Sabha segment represented by B.Y. Raghavendra, son of former BJP Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa. The Karnataka State BJP Chief is B.Y. Vijayendra, another son of former BJP Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa,” he wrote.
Jairam Ramesh called on PM Narendra Modi to clarify the BJP’s stance on dynasty politics during his visit to Shivamogga.