TNI Bureau: While Karnataka is reeling under drought, its MLAs are enjoying the foreign trip. The money could have been used for relief works and farmers.

The government was severely criticised after the legislators went abroad, which cost more. A total 15 MLAs have made the foreign trip out of them nine were accompanied by their wives.

The government spent at least Rs 6 lakh per legislator for the trip in the name of Study Tour in South America. The MLAs are likely to stay 2 days in West Asia before coming back to India.

Despite Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar made it clear that the MLAs should not undertake the trip in view of prevailing drought in the state, the legislators were adamant. Even some MLAs argued saying, “Have people stopped eating and drinking because of drought?”

One MLA asked how the Centre can spend Rs 25 crore on the security of Ajmal Kasab and why they will not be allowed for the trip as the legislators and they are working for the state.

Former chief minister DV Sadananda Gowda said that the trip was unwarranted in view of the situation in the state.