Following attacks from Opposition parties over handling of relief to rain-affected regions, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said on Sunday that he had spoken to the Election Commission of India (ECI) seeking permission for ministers to hold meetings with officials in the districts and also to conduct damage surveys. Compensation will be announced after reviewing the damage assessment report.

“As the Code of Conduct is in force government need permission from the EC. Yesterday I have spoken to the EC seeking approval and the Chief Secretary will also write a letter to the EC,” he told the media at Bengaluru on Sunday.

While former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy had criticised the Ministers for staying away from relief work to take part in electioneering, another former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on November 21 attacked the government for shoddy relief work. In view of the election to 25 seats to
Legislative Council from local authorities on December 10, model code of conduct is in place.

Bommai said soon after the permission is obtained, Ministers will travel, since the rains had not abated in several districts, rain related damage surveys have not been completed. The unexpected and untimely rains due to depression in Bay of Bengal had damaged crops and connecting roads, taking human toll in South Interior, North Interior and Coastal Karnataka regions. The government has already released compensation for crop losses that over 3 lakh farmers suffered in July, August and September. I have ordered a release of ₹130 crore that was due for compensation.