SHIMOGA : The state has been hit by severe drought in all 123 taluks and the Centre should release `2,000 crore immediately, urged state BJP president KS Eshwarappa.
He said that Congress leaders Siddaramaiah, G Parmeswer and Motamma, JD(S) leaders, including former CM Kumaraswamy, besides BJP leaders, including Yeddyurappa and ministerial teams, visited the drought-hit areas. Everybody has understood the severity of drought. The government has sought monetary aid of `4,500 crore at the all-party meeting held in Bangalore on April 19. One should not politicise the drought issue, he said. The state government received an additional fund of `70 crore, besides its usual share from the Centre.
He said additional charges will be given to ministers who have portfolios and the Cabinet expansion will be taken up after getting direction from Central leaders.