Bengaluru, March 2 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has intensified its criticism of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Congress-led government, making serious allegations regarding internal monitoring, financial mismanagement, and a failure to meet electoral commitments.

During a press conference in Bengaluru, R. Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, accused Siddaramaiah of establishing an “unauthorized team” led by a Superintendent of Police (SP) to surveil the activities of his political rival, Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar.

Shivakumar is widely regarded as a strong candidate for the Chief Minister position.

“The Chief Minister has created an unauthorized unit under the direction of an SP to monitor the Deputy Chief Minister's actions. They are engaged in various activities, including fund cuts and phone tapping. This resembles an invisible Special Investigation Team (SIT),” Ashoka asserted.

Ashoka further criticized the Congress government's management of its promise schemes, stating that Congress leaders are now advising affluent beneficiaries to relinquish their subsidies, which conflicts with earlier pledges.

“This guarantee scheme was promoted during the elections, and Siddaramaiah himself claimed it would be extended to the affluent. Now, suggesting that the wealthy should opt out is misguided,” he stated, referencing the longstanding cooking gas subsidy and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's previous appeal for financially capable citizens to voluntarily forgo it.

He also accused the Congress of failing to deliver on its electoral manifesto promises, alleging that Rs 37,000 crore owed to contractors remains unpaid.

“Instead of settling these debts, Siddaramaiah is blaming the previous BJP government. After COVID, Basavaraj Bommai presented a budget that was balanced. Siddaramaiah should have carried on that legacy. Those who did not raise objections then are now level accusations,” he remarked.

Ashoka emphasized that the BJP intends to spotlight the government's failures throughout the ongoing budget session, opposing what he described as economic distress in the state.

“In this budget session, we will expose the government's flaws and shortcomings. We will stand against the economic distress affecting the state,” he declared.

The BJP leader also highlighted alleged internal rifts within the Congress, claiming that party MLAs are openly dissenting.

“The Congress is a fractured entity, with MLAs openly threatening one another,” he claimed.

Addressing governance issues, Ashoka pointed out irregularities within the Women and Child Welfare Department and mentioned that funds promised in previous budgets have not been disbursed.

He criticized the government on various fronts, including law and order, civic challenges, and administrative inefficiencies.

“Attacks on Hindus are occurring. Waste management issues have escalated in Bengaluru. The Revenue Department is facing e-Khata complications. We will bring all these issues to the Assembly's attention,” he stated.

Moreover, he accused the state government of excessive borrowing, claiming that Karnataka's debt has surged to unprecedented levels.

“The state government has accrued Rs 3.5 lakh crore in debt. Siddaramaiah has borrowed more than all his predecessors combined, and by the end of his tenure, the debt could reach Rs 6 lakh crore. This will result in a debt burden of Rs 1 lakh per resident. We will combat this economic distress,” he noted.

He reiterated that the BJP will address these matters during the Assembly session and demand accountability for the government's policies and financial mismanagement.