Kharge urges PM Modi to release ₹3,705 cr drought aid for Karnataka

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to PM Modi seeking urgent release of ₹3,705.30 crore in NDRF assistance for drought-hit Karnataka. He cited crop losses of ₹18,748 crore across 19.52 lakh hectares, 31% rainfall deficit, and drinking-water stress in over 2,000 gram panchayats, calling the crisis potentially the worst in 150 years.