Dry Runs

Drought-scalded CM S.M. Krishna is visiting the districts "to get feedback on government performance", virtually signalling the start of the Congress campaign for next year’s assembly polls. Travelling in a state-owned bus, the roadshow followed the norm at pit stops, touting the achievements and blaming all ills on the previous regime. "Our officers will reply to every petition handed over to me within 30 days. I can’t promise solutions, but the response will be swift.... The response (from people at the first stop) has been reassuring," Krishna said last Wednesday. The CM, with a team of 10 ministers and top officials in tow, may find the next part of the tour a bit tougher—the drought-hit areas where over 150 farmers have committed suicide in recent months.