Karnataka’s political landscape heated up Thursday as BJP opposition leader R. Ashok unleashed criticism against the Congress government for chronic underfunding of key departments. Addressing reporters in Bengaluru, he linked the woes to transport strikes and urban waste chaos.
The core allegation: post-Congress takeover, budgets have shriveled across the board. Ashok singled out CM Siddaramaiah and Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy for procrastinating on employee grievances.
RTC workers’ 38-month payment backlog fuels their agitation. “Empty coffers cripple governance,” Ashok asserted. “These valid claims demanded immediate action—installments or outright payment. Delay indicts the regime.”
Reacting to post-protest maneuvers, Ashok noted officials’ 26-month offer, rebuffed by staff. He rebuked Reddy’s finger-pointing at prior BJP rule, daring disclosure of 2018 dues and his own ministerial past from 2009-2013.
Broader failures emerged: a once-thriving transport body now flounders in red ink. COVID losses acknowledged, but prolonged excuses unacceptable. Ripple effects hit contractors prepping strikes and excise protesters.
Ashok’s stark warning: “Payback looms for policy errors over three years.” Pressing for urgent RTC settlements, his remarks spotlight administrative paralysis threatening Karnataka’s stability.