Drought

Maharashtra's decision to declare 265 talukas drought-affected has triggered questions from both ruling alliance leaders and the Opposition. While some areas represented by Mahayuti leaders have been excluded, the MVA has questioned the transparency of the assessment process.

Karnataka BJP has criticised the Congress-led state government over reported financial pressures, questioning government spending and funding for development projects as the Finance Department raises caution over expenditure and revenue availability.

Senior Congress MLA and former Karnataka minister H.K. Patil has set October 10 as the deadline for the state government to declare Gadag district drought-affected. Patil has said he will decide on resigning as MLA if the demand is not accepted, citing rainfall deficiency, crop losses and concerns raised by local representatives and farmers.

Surendra P. Gangan is a journalist covering Maharashtra's political, civic and regional developments. His reporting has included the current water situation and drought-related developments in Marathwada.

Mahadev Prasad is a journalist who covers Karnataka politics, government affairs and developments in the state.

The Karnataka government has reiterated its opposition to implementing the Kasturirangan Report in the Western Ghats and plans to seek views from farmers and residents during Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's visit to Shivamogga.

YSRCP chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy is scheduled to review drought, water scarcity and deficient rainfall conditions across Andhra Pradesh with senior party leaders on September 17

Telangana is facing a significant rainfall deficit, with farmers in several districts reporting crop stress and losses. The state Assembly is scheduled to discuss the effects of El Niño and possible remedial measures as concerns grow over water availability and agricultural output.

The Gujarat government has said a decision on declaring drought in affected areas will be taken only after a detailed survey at the end of the Kharif season. The opposition has demanded immediate action, citing rainfall shortages in several districts and concerns among farmers.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has given a positive assessment of the D.K. Shivakumar-led government after its first 100 days, saying the administration is moving in the right direction. He has also urged the government to continue implementing its election promises and address drought-related concerns across the state.

Maharashtra is one of India's most politically influential states, where regional identity, urban development, agriculture and coalition politics play an important role. Political competition continues to shape debates over governance, economic growth and the state's future.

A fresh political debate has emerged in Karnataka after the state government issued guidelines limiting the rendition of Vande Mataram to its first two stanzas at official programmes. The decision has raised questions about cultural issues, government protocol and political differences in the state.