Bangalore: The Opposition Congress in Karnataka today urged the new BJP government headed by Jagadish Shettar to swing into action immediately and take up drought relief works in the affected areas.

In an open letter, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President Dr G Parameshwar said "Mr Shettar has assured to give top priority to tackle drought in the state, but it should be practical." "The ruling BJP government, which is faced with internal bickerings, has failed to deliver at a time when people were suffering due to drought, drinking water shortage, power crisis," he said.

Alleging that the administration had come to a standstil for the past several months due to the internal squabbles, Dr Parameshwar said now another bickering has arisen in the ruling BJP on portfolio allocation. 'But I urge the Chief Minister to give his attention in activating the machinery to come to the rescue of the people by taking up relief works, supply of drinking water and fodder for live stocks,' he added.

Dr Parameshwar also drew the attention of Mr Shettar towards non-payment of monthly Pension to aged, non-distribution of foodgrains under PDS.