In a blistering press conference in Bengaluru, Karnataka BJP’s R Ashok on Monday leveled explosive allegations against CM Siddaramaiah. The opposition leader claimed the CM has formed a secret surveillance squad under an SP to keep tabs on rival DK Shivakumar, the Deputy CM and a key Congress figure eyeing the chief minister’s chair.
‘They’re cutting funds and tapping phones—it’s like a shadow investigation team,’ Ashok alleged, underscoring the deepening rift within Congress ranks. This internal espionage comes at a time when the government grapples with accusations of betraying election pledges.
Ashok criticized the flip-flop on guarantee schemes, where wealthy recipients are now asked to opt out of subsidies. This contradicts Siddaramaiah’s campaign assurance of universal coverage. He drew parallels to longstanding LPG subsidy opt-outs promoted by PM Modi, but slammed Congress for inconsistency.
Financial irregularities are rampant, with Rs 37,000 crore still owed to contractors despite manifesto promises. Rather than pay up, the CM is pointing fingers at the prior BJP government, ignoring Bommai’s solid post-pandemic budgeting, Ashok contended.
The litany of governance lapses includes unreleased funds for women and child welfare, surging Hindu-targeted violence, Bengaluru’s trash crisis, and e-khata snarls in revenue offices. Law and order has deteriorated, leaving citizens vulnerable.
Karnataka’s debt has ballooned to unprecedented Rs 3.5 lakh crore under Siddaramaiah, projected to hit Rs 6 lakh crore soon—translating to Rs 1 lakh per person. BJP plans a robust challenge in the budget session.
Factionalism plagues Congress, with disgruntled MLAs protesting publicly. Ashok affirmed BJP’s resolve to drag these issues into the assembly, demanding accountability for surveillance scandals, broken promises, and economic mismanagement.