Karnataka’s senior BJP leader and Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka criticized the Congress government, accusing it of being controlled by Rahul Gandhi and former CM Siddaramaiah. Ashoka highlighted that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar lacks independent authority, leading to minimal change despite a change in leadership. He emphasized that the government’s facade has changed, but underlying issues persist for the people.
Ashoka expressed disappointment with the new cabinet, noting a lack of significant changes or fresh faces. He alleged that decision-making power remains centralized among senior leaders and the party’s high command. The leader listed various challenges faced by the state, including farmer suicides, corruption complaints, maternal deaths, and infrastructure failures, particularly in Bengaluru.
The BJP leader criticized the government for its failure to address public issues effectively. He pointed out inconsistencies between official directives and their on-ground implementation, especially in Bengaluru. Ashoka accused the Congress of neglecting women’s representation and failing to fulfill promises related to government recruitment, citing financial constraints as a hindrance to large-scale hiring.
Ashoka questioned the effectiveness of the ‘Bharat Jodo’ initiative, claiming it primarily benefits party workers rather than the general youth or unemployed individuals. He highlighted pending payments to contractors, the need for development in North Karnataka schools, and overall governance deficiencies. The leader also raised concerns about declining revenue performance in various departments and criticized the government for announcing schemes without proper execution.
The BJP leader urged the state government to release a financial white paper akin to Kerala’s model to provide transparency on Karnataka’s fiscal status. He demanded clarity on state debt, treasury conditions, expenditure patterns, and the long-term impact of welfare schemes. Ashoka emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, calling for the government to share accurate financial information with the public.
