Tumakuru, Aug. 4 -- Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra on Tuesday demanded the state government immediately release a special relief package of Rs 10,000 crore to support distressed farmers, urging authorities not to wait for central assistance as more than 28 districts reel under severe drought due to poor rainfall.

Speaking to the media after visiting various villages in Tumakuru district to assess the drought situation, Vijayendra said that the BJP has formed seven study teams with the objective of understanding the actual drought situation in the state.

"This tour has been organised to bring the hardships faced by farmers to the attention of the government.There is a severe shortage of rainfall in almost all 10 taluks of Tumakuru dis...