Ramu Patil

Political confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties often takes precedence over substantive public concern. The ongoing session of the state legislature – the first after the new government headed by DK Shivakumar assumed charge – is no different.

Planning and Statistics Minister B Nagendra’s resignation, just 25 days after the much-deliberated cabinet expansion on August 3, has unsettled the DK Shivakuma

After initial signs of hitting top gear to make the most of its short tenure, the Congress government in Karnataka now seems to be struggling to find its rhythm.

Like a batsman celebrating a century in a high-stakes match, DK Shivakumar marked 100 days in office as Chief Minister by reflecting on his achievements and gaining a sobering perspective on the daunting task ahead.

A severe drought that Karnataka is now experiencing could have far-reaching implications for the state, especially the rural economy. While those in the cities complain about ‘summer-like' weather, people in drought-hit villages face a far more serious crisis: crop loss that takes away their only source of income, drinking water and fodder shortages. Increased rural-urban migration affects the education of children from economically lower strata of society. Agriculture, which anchors rural livelihoods, has taken a severe hit. And for farmers, hope is dwindling.

It's a peculiar situation. The state government's intent to help farmers is appreciable, and Rs 1,250 crore is a substantial amount for a cash-strapped administration. Yet, the decision to provide an input subsidy of Rs 2,500 each to farmers in distress due to severe drought appears to have missed the mark by a mile.

Decibel levels in Karnataka politics are rising swiftly. Political parties appear to have moved into election mode, nearly 18 months before the 2028 assembly polls.

Amid all the hullabaloo over alleged submission of “Form 7s” in bulk, seeking removal of voters from the electoral rolls and serious concerns over deletion of names during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR), Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's ‘sting operations' bombshell has caused quite a stir in the state's political circles.

Siddaramaiah took strong exception to linking his name to a sting operation video circulating on social media, terming it a malicious campaign to tarnish his reputation.

It's a decades-old turf war that is unlikely to end anytime soon.