Ballari: Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka on July 30, Thursday warned the Karnataka government that the BJP would launch a statewide “Chalo Hola Gadde” agitation from August 3 if it failed to immediately declare drought in the State. If it continues to delay, BJP leaders and workers will launch the ‘Chalo Hola Gadde’ protest by sitting in farmers’ fields across the State”, he said. Criticising the Congress government, Ashoka alleged that it was reluctant to declare drought because it would immediately become liable to pay compensation to farmers. Shivakumar, Ashoka alleged that agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry had been neglected since the new government assumed office. Raising another issue affecting farmers in Ballari, Ashoka alleged that mining activity was coating crop leaves with dust and polluting water in Veerapur Lake.