Chitradurga, Feb 13 (NationPress) As the Congress-led administration in Karnataka marks its 1,000 days in power, the BJP has condemned this timeframe as a period of darkness for the state.

In a press briefing in Bengaluru on Friday, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka expressed, "The past 1,000 days have been bleak under the governance of the Congress. What merits a convention to celebrate?"

Ashoka further stated, "It remains uncertain who the Chief Minister is. When the media poses this question, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah responds with accusations of being agents. Given these circumstances, what are they celebrating? These have indeed been dark days."

He also claimed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has dispatched MLAs on overseas trips.

Ashoka alleged that the government has revoked ration cards.

"A Rs 6,000 crore scandal has emerged within the Excise Department, and it remains unclear whether the funds have reached Rahul Gandhi or Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Perhaps this money is being used for the convention," he stated.

He pointed out that the state is grappling with critical issues, including farmer and government employee suicides and shortages of essential medicines in public hospitals.

Due to corruption, one minister has resigned, and he insisted that the Excise Minister should follow suit.

Discussing the Shakti scheme, he criticized the introduction of smart cards, stating that it contradicts the government's earlier promise of free travel for all women. Now, not everyone will receive a smart card.

As the government faces financial bankruptcy, this strategy seems aimed at limiting the number of beneficiaries under the Shakti scheme, he alleged.

Because of a bus shortage, schoolchildren are being transported in lorries. The government lacks the capacity to provide adequate buses, he noted.

Commenting on the arrest of MLA Byrathi Basavaraj in a murder case involving a rowdy-sheeter, he accused the Congress government of targeting BJP legislators. "Byrathi Basavaraj surrendered to the police, which is a political conspiracy, and Congress leaders will bear the consequences in the future," he asserted.

On the matter of the Bhadra Upper Canal irrigation project, he indicated that they would participate if the Congress government convenes a meeting with the Centre. He accused the government of neglecting issues related to river water and language.

The absence of nine Congress MPs was also highlighted, with Ashoka stating they should bring this issue to the Lok Sabha.

Senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge has not addressed this matter even once, Ashoka concluded.