New Delhi: The BJP and JD (U) MPs, displeased with the government’s reply on sanctioning relief to drought hit Karnataka, walked out of the House on May 18 Friday. Earlier, there was a war of words between the Union Government and the BJP MPs over the issue. The Government’s assurance to ensure early steps for the release of the same however did not please the opposition parties.

On this occasion, Union Minister of State for Agriculture Harish Ravat said a contingency scheme would be framed for 180 districts including districts in Karnataka to initiate far sighted programmes to tackle drought conditions.

Earlier, BJP MP Ananthkumar alleged that the Union Government was causing inordinate delay in releasing drought relief funds for the BJP ruled states.

Reacting to this, the union minister said the central team had been on a Karnataka tour from May 13 to 16 and that steps would be taken to release grants for drought relief no sooner the team submitted its report.