Yeddyurappa unhappy with drought relief work

Former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa on Saturday said people matter to him more than the party, adding that a lot needs to be done to combat drought in the state.

At a press meet here after completion of his 10-day tour of nine drought-hit districts, he said, “My first preference is people. Later comes the party.” He warned that if his suggestions are not taken seriously by the state government, he would not hesitate to take to the streets.

He explained that during his tour, he found that district administration and officials showed little concern about the drought situation. There is shortage of cattle fodder and he said crop insurance had no meaning.

When asked if he meant the state government had failed to manage the drought, he said the government had managed to address the problem in a limited way and it needs to focus more on it.

Yeddyurappa said the state government should utilise the expertise of agricultural universities across the state. He announced that he would take up the second leg of the tour soon and will finalise it within three days.

Attacks Cong, JD(S) Yeddyurappa attacked the opposition leaders who had criticised his tour programme and said they have lost their minds.

He asked the Congress and JD(S) party leaders to go to Delhi and urge the central government to waive off loans for farmers in commercial and nationalised banks.

At least they should mount pressure on the Centre to refund `3,500 crore to the state government for its waiver of farm loans, he stated.