Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister and Kalaburagi District in-charge, Priyank Kharge, has announced a landmark achievement for local farmers, with a record-breaking ₹650 crore in crop insurance compensation disbursed in Kalaburagi district. This figure represents the highest payout received by any district in Karnataka to date.
Minister Kharge shared this encouraging news during the inauguration of a felicitation ceremony held on Saturday at the Veerashaiva Lingayat Kalyana Mantapa in Aland. The event was organized to express gratitude to the government for facilitating a substantial ₹225 crore in crop insurance compensation for the region.
According to Mr. Priyank, more than 4 lakh farmers across Kalaburagi district have successfully claimed compensation under the comprehensive crop insurance scheme. He further noted that for the ongoing agricultural year (2025–26), an impressive 3,00,952 farmers have already enrolled, demonstrating the scheme’s widespread adoption and importance.
Drawing a stark comparison with the previous BJP administration, Mr. Priyank recalled instances where pigeon pea crops were devastated by wilt disease, and despite widespread losses, the then-government failed to provide any compensation to affected farmers. He recounted how even after severe damage from heavy rains, former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa reportedly returned from the airport without visiting the impacted areas.
In contrast, Mr. Priyank highlighted the current Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s proactive response to this year’s heavy rainfall and subsequent crop damage across the district. He mentioned that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah conducted an aerial survey of the affected regions and held crucial meetings with elected representatives and officials, promising an additional ₹8,500 per hectare in compensation from the State exchequer, supplementing the assistance provided by the Centre under NDRF guidelines.
The Minister also emphasized the positive impact of the State government’s guarantee schemes, such as Gruha Jyothi, Gruha Lakshmi, Shakti, Yuva Nidhi, and Anna Bhagya. He asserted that these initiatives have significantly improved the financial well-being of the poor, reaching not only Congress supporters but also benefiting BJP workers. ‘Yet, BJP leaders continue their unfounded criticism of these vital schemes. They should at least feel a sense of shame,’ he remarked.
Addressing the implementation of Article 371(J), Mr. Kharge stated that its enforcement has ensured the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB) receives an annual grant of ₹5,000 crore. He noted that under the Congress administration, several significant institutions, including the ESIC Hospital, Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology, and educational establishments like the Central University of Karnataka, were established in Kalaburagi. He concluded by asserting that while constructive criticism regarding development is always welcome, baseless political propaganda must cease.
Furthermore, Mr. Kharge elaborated on the Kalyana Patha and Pragati Patha schemes, which are actively implementing road development projects covering nearly 8,257 km of rural roads throughout the district.
Accusations of ‘Vote Theft’
Turning to the controversial issue of ‘Vote Chori’ (vote theft), Mr. Kharge mentioned that while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had previously raised concerns, it was B.R. Patil, MLA and Vice-Chairman of the State Planning Board, who provided concrete evidence to substantiate these claims. He stated, “The matter has now become very serious, and a thorough investigation will soon reveal how the BJP allegedly conspired against our democracy and Constitution.” He urged the public to continue their support for both himself and Mr. Patil.
During his address, B.R. Patil, who presided over the event, spoke about the profound distress faced by farmers due to widespread crop losses from natural calamities. He stressed the critical need for farmers to receive a minimum support price for their produce to ensure their survival. ‘Thousands of farmers have tragically lost their lives protesting nationwide, yet the Prime Minister has not even offered condolences,’ he stated solemnly.
Mr. Patil also highlighted a disparity in central assistance, noting that while Maharashtra received ₹1.30 lakh crore in relief, Karnataka was allocated only ₹40,000 crore. He called for a collective effort to combat this perceived injustice. Additionally, he mentioned that ₹60 crore is being invested under the Amrit scheme to ensure a stable supply of drinking water to Aland town.
Other dignitaries present at the event included MLC Tippannappa Kamakanur, GESCOM Chairman Praveen Harawal, Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum, Superintendent of Police Adduru Srinivasulu, and Zilla Panchayat CEO Bhanwar Singh Meena.