From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Apr 9: Former Karnataka Chief Ministrer and State JD(S) President H D Kumraswamy lambasted his BJP successor and Lingayat stalwart B S Yeddyurappa for indulging in ''petty theatrics” over the drought situation.
 
''Yeddyurappa is indulging in theatrics over the drought in some parts of the State,” Kumaraswamy said pointing out that the BJP strongman suddenly decided that he should tour the drought-affected areas when chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda launched a veiled attack for the series of felicitation meetings organized by his predecessor and his supporters to mark the 70th birthday celebrations.

As soon as he came to know BJP national general secretary and State party In-charge Dharmendra Pradhan was in Bangalore, Yeddyurappa rushed back to the city giving up his tours of drought-hit taluks for the sake of regaining his lost chair, the JD(S) leader said.

''If Yeddyurappa was really concerned about the plight of the people in the drought-hit areas, why did he allow himself to be lavishly felicitated in Hubli and Shimoga, spending lakhs or perhaps crores of rupees?,” Kumaraswamy asked and pointed out that the decision to shelve the tour after having started the tour of the drought-hit taluks showed his concern was ''superficial.”

On Yeddyurappa’s letter to Chief Minister Sadananda Gowda demanding immediate release of Rs 200 crore for drought relief works, Kumaraswamy said the government should release Rs 4,600 crore as was promised on the floor of the House to farmers who suffered crop loss.

The Chief Minister had not taken any serious steps to tackle drought, the JD(S) leader said.

Kumaraswamy claimed that the Chief Minister had not visited any of the drought-affected regions other than attending the Vishwesraiah Technological University convocation in Belgaum.

Blaming both the central and state governments for the situation, Kumaraswamy said the party has decided to observe a dharna in front of Mahatama Gandhi statue if no steps were taken to tackle the drought problems.

Kumaraswamy said 26 teams had been formed by his party and they would visit all 123 drought-hit talukas in the state.

JD(S) leaders have been directed to visit drought-hit taluks and submit a report on how the State Government has fared in tackling drought, Kumaraswamy said.

After seeking reports from JD(S) leaders, a memorandum would be submitted to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh under the leadership of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, he said.

“We will also submit a report to the state government,” he added.