Bengaluru, Nov. 12 -- Leader of the Opposition in Karnataka Assembly R. Ashoka on Thursday accused the Congress government of raising the ethanol controversy to divert public attention when people started condemning its mistakes and said the government should not do anything that cuts farmers' income.

Speaking at a press conference, Ashoka said misinformation is being spread about blending ethanol with petrol.

"A non-existent problem in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and elsewhere has been created here," he said.

Slamming the government over drought relief, he said, "The government is unable to even give Rs 5,000 drought relief to farmers. It first announced Rs 2,500 and then gave only Rs 1,500 in Yadgir. Revenue Minister justified it, sayin...