Mysore:
Karnataka on Sunday urged the Centre to share 50 per cent of the Rs 4,500 crore loss that the state suffered due to drought this year.
Speaking to reporters, Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda said preliminary estimates have suggested that the drought in 123 taluks has caused the state a loss of Rs 4500 crore. "The Centre should bear at least 50 per cent of the loss", he said.
He said he would lead an all-party delegation to Delhi on May 2 to seek financial assistance from the Centre to tackle the drought situation.
Gowda also demanded that the Centre provide immediate assistance of Rs 2,000 crore for drought relief.
To a question, he said the ministry expansion would be decided after consulting the BJP high command.
Gowda said the Core Committee would meet in Bangalore on April 25 to discuss the ministry expansion issue.