Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release 50 per cent of the state’s ₹3,705.30-crore drought relief request as immediate assistance. The amount sought as interim aid is ₹1,852.65 crore. Shivakumar said the drought has worsened since the state first submitted its request for central support earlier this month. In his letter to the Prime Minister, Shivakumar referred to a September 10 communication seeking ₹3,705.30 crore for urgent relief measures in 101 drought-declared taluks. Since then, the Karnataka government has declared another 76 taluks drought-affected, taking the total to 177. The additional declarations followed an assessment under the parameters of the Manual for Drought Management, 2020. Drought-affected taluks rise to 177 Shivakumar said the number of drought-hit taluks could exceed 200 by the end of the 2026 southwest monsoon season. Losses in the newly declared areas are still being assessed. Once that work is complete, the state plans to submit an additional memorandum seeking assistance under the National Disaster Response Fund. The request for half of the existing memorandum amount is therefore an interim measure based on the earlier assessment of 101 taluks. It does not include a final estimate of damage across all 177 drought-declared taluks. The Centre has been asked to provide funds while the state completes its wider assessment and prepares the next submission. Why the monsoon shortfall matters The Chief Minister said rainfall from June to August is especially important for Karnataka. It supports Kharif crops and helps refill reservoirs, recharge groundwater and maintain supplies of fodder. Reservoir levels also affect hydropower generation, meaning a prolonged rainfall shortfall can place pressure on services well beyond agriculture. For farmers in drought-declared taluks, the immediate concern is the damage already caused during the principal growing season. The state’s appeal seeks to speed up relief while officials document losses in the areas added to the drought list. Any further request to the Centre will depend on that assessment; no amount for the additional memorandum has yet been announced.

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Congress leaders expressed confidence about retaining power in 2028 while highlighting the first 100 days of DK Shivakumar’s government. The Karnataka Congress has expressed confidence that it will retain power in the 2028 Assembly elections as Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s government completed 100 days in office. Home Minister Priyank Kharge described the milestone as “just the beginning” of the government’s broader agenda involving policy refo

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Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu: Southern state leaders came together for a striking group photograph during the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting. A rare political frame featuring some of South India’s most prominent leaders has grabbed attention following the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting held near Chennai. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Kerala Chief Minist

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DK Shivakumar held fresh talks with Congress leaders in Delhi over a minor Karnataka Cabinet reshuffle and portfolio allocation to newly inducted ministers. The discussions also focused on inducting a woman minister and addressing concerns among legislators following the recent Cabinet expansion. DK Shivakumar Meets Congress High Command Over Cabinet Reshuffle Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivaku

Karnataka Congress leaders intensified efforts to pacify legislators denied ministerial positions following the induction of 19 new ministers. While one MLA withdrew his resignation, several disappointed legislators were preparing to meet and discuss their next course of action. Karnataka Congress Launches Outreach After Cabinet Expansion The Karnataka Congress intensified efforts to contain internal dissatisfaction after 19 legislato

Cauvery Talks Trigger Political and Farmers’ Opposition Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is preparing for bilateral Cauvery talks with Karnataka despite farmers demanding legal action. The proposed meeting comes amid a serious water shortfall, concerns over the Kuruvai crop, and a renewed dispute over the Mekedatu reservoir. CM Vijay Pursues Cauvery Talks Despite Farmers’ Opposition Chennai, Tuesday, July

 Cross-Party Push for Karnataka’s Pending Projects  Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar called the Karnataka MPs' Delhi meeting a major success, saying leaders across parties agreed to jointly pursue pending projects, Central funds, and drought relief while placing the state’s development above political differences. Karnataka MPs Delhi Meeting Highlights Political Unity Bengaluru, Tuesday, July 28, 2

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DK Shivakumar Urges PM Modi to Send Central Team as Karnataka Drought Risk Deepens Bengaluru, July 15, 2026: Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking the immediate deployment of a central team to examine the emerging drought conditions in the state. The request follows a reported 30% rainfall deficit

Bengaluru Quarry Tragedy: 7 Workers Killed In Rock Slide Bengaluru, July 3: Seven migrant workers were killed and five others injured after a massive granite rock slid down and fell on them at a quarry near Madapattana on the outskirts of Bengaluru on Thursday, July 2. Rock Falls On Workers At Quarry Site According to police, crusher-related work was underway at two levels of the quarry site. A drilling machine was reportedly

Karnataka Creates Praja Seva Department To Improve Citizen Services The Karnataka government has created a new Praja Seva Department by merging key citizen-service and administrative reform wings under one structure. The move is aimed at improving public grievance redressal, simplifying government procedures, and making service delivery faster across the state. The decision was a

Historic Bengaluru Bungalow Set For DKS Official Residence The 160-year-old Kumarakrupa bungalow in Bengaluru is being renovated to become DK Shivakumar’s official residence. The 12-room heritage structure has brought renewed attention to one of Bengaluru’s oldest government properties, blending Karnataka politics with the city’s heritage history.   Kumarakrupa Bungalow To Become DK Shivakumar’s Official