Santosh Lad, who has been sworn in as a Minister in Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s cabinet, has welcomed the visit by BJP leaders to drought-hit areas of the State and said that they should submit their report at the earliest to the Union government and thereby get funds to the State.

Speaking to press persons on his maiden visit to Hubballi on Wednesday (August 5) after his swearing-in, Mr. Lad said that the State was not getting requisite funds and cooperation from the Centre. “States under Congress rule are being given stepmotherly treatment. The Centre has released crop compensation to the Karnataka. We have not received funds on par with BJP-ruled states. The rules for crop insurance should be changed. Let the BJP leaders complete the drought study and submit report to the Centre,” he said.

Mr. Lad said that the demand for interim relief by the farmers was apt. As per the Chief Minister’s directions, all the Ministers were visiting various taluks to study the drought situation, interact with farmers, and submit the report, he said.

He also said that the portfolio allocation was likely to happen in the next two to three days and he would happily handle the portfolio allotted to him.

Mr. Lad said that it was not right to say that those who did not get a Cabinet berth were not eligible. “All the legislators are eligible to become Ministers. I believe I am fortunate in this regard,” he said.

On the development of Hubballi-Dharwad, the Minister admitted that there was a need for requisite funds for facilitating further development of the twin cities and shortly, a comprehensive plan and project beneficial to the twin cities would be initiated.

The Minister said that because of Gen-Z, there was a wind of change in the country. “If the BJP leaders conduct the elections honestly, then they will be defeated for sure. So, they will not allow free and fair elections in the country and will also not answer people’s questions. Instead, they only speak of religion and God instead of focusing on real issues,” he said.

Earlier, Mr. Lad was given a warm welcome by scores of party workers and leaders.

Published - August 05, 2026 06:37 pm IST