BAGALKOT: Even as his ongoing tour of drought-hit districts of North Karnataka is being criticised as nothing more than a photo-op by opposition parties, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had to face some embarrassment on Monday. Officials sprinkled two tankers of precious water on a muddy road which he and his convoy had to take to avoid dust from rising.
Siddaramaiah was to visit Badagandi village in Bilagi taluk in Bagalkot district to understand the plight of villagers reeling under drought. There was road-widening work going on, causing the road to be dusty.
To ensure dust did not kick up, officials sprinkled two tankers of water on the road leading to the Bilagi Cross and then to Badangadi to welcome the Chief Minister.
However, this insensitive act of the officials angered villagers who questioned the need to waste two tankers of water when people are struggling to get two pots of water every day.
When the issue was brought to his notice during the press conference at Bagalkot later in the day, the CM said: “I will instruct the DC to enquire about it.”
“It shows how insensitive our officials and politicians are. It is an insult to us,” said a farmer.
People also took serious objection to the CM spending more time in holding meetings with officials than interacting with farmers and villagers who are bearing the brunt of summer.
“People know the real problem and they are in a better position to explain their plight,” Subhas, a farmer, said.
Siddaramaiah also reviewed works under MGNREG scheme in a field in Badangadi.