Bengaluru, Feb 16 (NationPress) The Karnataka chapter of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday issued a strong critique of the Congress-led state administration, claiming that the outstanding liabilities amounting to Rs 37,000 crore have left local contractors, who lack support from major corporations, on the verge of financial devastation.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka criticized the ruling Congress in Bengaluru, stating, “The inaction of the government under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has brought Karnataka’s contractors to a critical point. While countless workers and numerous small and medium contractors await their rightful payments, the administration opts for indifference instead of accountability. The overdue payments of Rs 37,000 crore signify more than just a minor administrative error; they represent a fiscal disaster.”

He emphasized that the impacted individuals are not affluent corporations, but rather local contractors, engineers, suppliers, and daily wage laborers who undertook government projects sincerely.

“Many have had to mortgage their homes, pledge family jewelry, and incur high-interest debts to fulfill public contracts. Instead of settling these debts, this government is pushing them to protest in the streets,” Ashoka lamented.

“What type of governance is this? A regime that finds resources for propaganda, favoritism, and political maneuvering, yet claims it cannot pay those who constructed our roads, schools, hospitals, and essential infrastructure. This extends beyond mere financial mismanagement; it is a betrayal,” he asserted.

If the Congress-led administration in Karnataka is unable to fulfill its obligations, it lacks the moral authority to govern, he remarked.

Delayed payments lead to halted projects, job losses, and a slowdown in the state's economy. The repercussions of this negligence will adversely affect Karnataka’s growth and reputation, the Karnataka LoP warned.

“The Chief Minister must urgently address this silence, clear the pending Rs 37,000 crore, and rebuild trust with contractors and workers. Governance involves more than just speeches and slogans; it requires responsibility. Karnataka deserves accountability, not excuses,” Ashoka urged.

Contractors have pledged to initiate protests regarding the outstanding payments, cautioning that their family members would join the demonstrations to compel the government to act.

Responding to recent remarks by state Minister Priyank Kharge against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Ashoka stated, “Minister Priyank Kharge seems to believe that by constantly criticizing the RSS, he can win favor with the party leadership, secure a position, or gain additional power. This appears to have become his routine.”

“For four decades, benefiting from the support of the people of Kalyana Karnataka, and consistently postponing development with a ‘come tomorrow’ attitude, those who have betrayed the people's trust will not endure for long. The day is approaching when such forces will be expelled. Insulting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is akin to spitting into the sky—it ultimately falls back on oneself,” Ashoka concluded.