With reservoirs running dry and farmers in despair, Karnataka faces its worst drought in years. BJP’s R. Ashok, speaking at a fiery press meet in Bengaluru on Tuesday, tore into the Congress government for prioritizing power plays over people’s plight.
‘ Minsters are jetting off to Delhi for throne wars while the state thirsts,’ Ashok quipped. He demanded Rs 10 crore per constituency from the legislature secretariat for drinking water, underscoring the leadership vacuum under CM Siddaramaiah. Congress MLAs defying party lines to head to the capital expose the CM’s weakened grip, he argued.
Shivakumar’s no-show at the internal quota cabinet huddle fueled speculation of rival camps. Ashok painted a grim picture: no water for cattle, desperate residents queuing for tankers, and zero funds disbursed. ‘Hollow statements from CM and ministers won’t quench thirst,’ he said, referencing poor monsoon predictions.
Urging immediate goshala setups and fodder distribution, he predicted fiscal woes like neighboring states if inaction persists. Bengaluru’s roads remain a pothole nightmare despite tall claims, with Ashok alleging a racket in fake repairs. A dedicated MLA panel could unearth the fraud, he suggested.
The sacred thread removal fiasco at a college drew sharp criticism—government should have cracked down early to prevent repeats. BJP promises iron-fist policies against such offenders, including complicit officials. Ashok opposed glorifying jailed Umar Khalid, demanding event bans to affirm Congress’s stance.
In the Mangaluru bomb case, he called for harsher punishment, warning that soft approaches embolden militants. As drought bites harder, Ashok’s broadside challenges the government to deliver or step aside, spotlighting governance failures in a parched state.
