The Karnataka BJP has urged Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge to focus on road construction and maintenance to lower the number of fatalities, emphasizing the need to address poor road conditions. Legislative Council Opposition Leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy criticized the state government for neglecting its responsibilities, highlighting the lack of new road construction and insufficient repairs in Karnataka. Narayanaswamy pointed out that 31 individuals lose their lives daily in road accidents in the state due to inadequate road conditions, calling for immediate action from the minister.
Narayanaswamy demanded that Minister Priyank Kharge prioritize road safety over other issues and warned of consequences if the necessary steps are not taken. He raised concerns about the lack of progress in constructing new roads or repairing existing ones since the Congress government came into power, stressing the urgent need for attention to the thousands of kilometers requiring maintenance. Narayanaswamy also questioned the effectiveness of the Shakti scheme in light of the poor rural road conditions and the withdrawal of bus services from numerous villages.
According to official data, Karnataka has a total of 198,657.58 km of rural roads, with only 297 km being newly constructed, prompting Narayanaswamy to question the minister’s plans for road development. Narayanaswamy further criticized the allocation of funds in Minister Kharge’s constituency, Chittapur, where no new roads have been built despite the availability of significant funds managed by the Kalyana Karnataka Regional Development Board. He called for accountability and suggested that Minister Kharge should step down if unable to fulfill his duties effectively.
