Karnataka’s Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, criticized the Congress government for establishing guarantee committees at the gram panchayat level. He accused the government of using these committees to accommodate dissatisfied party members at the taxpayers’ expense. Ashoka questioned the purpose of these bodies, suggesting they were serving party interests rather than the public.
The Opposition leader highlighted irregularities in the Gruha Lakshmi scheme and criticized the government for burdening the state exchequer with additional guarantee committees. He expressed concerns over stalled development works, lack of funds for schools, and delays in supporting farmers who cultivated ragi. Ashoka demanded accountability from the government and urged the dissolution of existing committees.
Ashoka also targeted Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, accusing the government of neglecting civic issues. He criticized the minister for focusing on publicity rather than addressing the city’s problems. The Opposition leader raised concerns about contaminated drinking water in HSR Layout, blaming the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board for ignoring residents’ complaints.
The contamination incident led to illnesses among families and children, with Ashoka alleging a high presence of coliform bacteria in the water supply. He further highlighted Bengaluru’s waste management crisis, citing a significant amount of unprocessed garbage daily. Ashoka questioned the government’s commitment to “Brand Bengaluru,” emphasizing the need for immediate action to address the city’s challenges.
