Govt releases ₹244 crore as truckers go on strike

{ FOOD GRAIN SUPPLY HIT

- Arun Dev

The Karnataka government approved the release of ₹244.10 crore in an order on Tuesday, after transport contractors had stopped operations over unpaid dues, bringing the distribution of food grains under Karnataka’s Anna Bhagya scheme to a halt.

Truckers responsible for transporting rice to distribution centres began their strike on Sunday night, demanding immediate settlement of pending bills dating back to February. The disruption triggered political backlash, with the BJP accusing chief minister Siddaramaiah of withholding payments and pushing poor families into uncertainty.

On Tuesday, BJP leaders intensified their criticism, holding the Congress-led government accountable for the interruption in food grain supply. Leader of Opposition R Ashoka on Tuesday said the strike was a direct consequence of the state’s failure to release payments.

“Due to the state government's failure to clear bills for the past six months, truck owners transporting food grains have begun an indefinite strike, effectively halting the supply of food grains across Karnataka,” Ashoka said.

He questioned the government’s claims of financial stability. “It's been six months since you've withheld payment of ₹250 crore to the truck owners. How are they supposed to pay their drivers? How should they refuel their trucks with diesel? If the strike disrupts food grain supply and delays ration distribution to the poor, who will take responsibility?” he asked.