Karnataka Congress MLA resigns after his constituency left out of drought-hit list

Congress MLA Yeshwanthrayagouda Patil has sent his resignation to Karnataka Assembly Speaker GS Patil, saying his Indi constituency in Vijayapura district has not been declared drought-hit despite repeated representations to the state government.

In his letter dated September 22, Patil said he was unable to meet the hopes and aspirations of the people of his constituency. He also alleged that in the current political environment, importance was being given to influential people and those who use pressure tactics.

Patil said Indi taluk had been severely affected by drought during the 2026-27 kharif season. "As there was some rainfall at the beginning of the season, farmers borrowed money and purchased seeds and fertilisers and sowed their crops. However, due to the failure of timely rains, the crops have withered, and there is also a shortage of drinking water for people and livestock," he wrote.

He said he had submitted a representation to the chief minister and deputy chief minister on August 28, requesting that Indi taluk be declared drought-hit.

"However, out of the 13 taluks in Vijayapura district, 11 have been declared drought-hit so far, leaving out only Indi and Chadachan taluks. Across the state, 188 taluks have been declared drought-hit so far," he added.

Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara said on Tuesday that the number of drought-hit taluks would touch 177 and might reach 200 in the coming days.

He said 101 taluks were declared drought-hit in the first phase, 23 were added after continued assessment, and 53 more were recently included in the list.

Patil said that, as a legislator from the ruling party, he had made several representations in a restrained manner so that the government would not face embarrassment.

"However, it has now come to feel that my views and sentiments are not being given due consideration. In the present political environment, importance is being given to influential people and those who employ pressure tactics, while people like us who have a gentle and moderate approach are not receiving consideration for even legitimate demands," he said.

"Therefore, as I am unable to respond to the hopes and aspirations of the people of my constituency, I am voluntarily resigning from the post of MLA," Patil added.

He had earlier resigned from his legislative post on August 3 after being left out of the D K Shivakumar-led Cabinet expansion, but later withdrew it after the party leadership persuaded him. His latest resignation follows his allegation that Indi has still not been declared drought-hit despite repeated appeals.