Bengaluru, Feb 19 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, fiercely criticized the Congress-led government in Karnataka on Wednesday, asserting that the state is grappling with significant financial difficulties. He claimed that internal disputes among Congress members have diminished the dignity of the Chief Minister’s position.

While addressing the media in Bengaluru, Ashoka stated that the government is struggling to allocate funds for various welfare initiatives due to fiscal limitations.

He raised concerns about Congress MLAs traveling abroad despite the financial crisis.

Ashoka referred to a scheme jointly initiated by the Centre and the state aimed at assisting children orphaned during the Covid-19 pandemic, mentioning there are 26,334 such children in Karnataka. He indicated that the state government has been providing Rs 4,000 per month for their support, yet funds totaling Rs 75 crore allocated for these beneficiaries have not been disbursed for the past seven months.

He provided district-specific data, noting 2,220 beneficiaries in Koppal, 1,059 in Ballari, and 2,650 in Dharwad.

Ashoka accused the government of prioritizing funding for initiatives like Gruha Lakshmi and Annabhagya, while neglecting the financial needs of vulnerable children. He also pointed out that allocations from the previous budget for various programs remain unpaid, even as preparations for a new budget are underway.

Furthermore, he alleged that employees from the four state-run transport corporations are gearing up for a strike over unpaid dues, signaling financial distress in the state transport sector.

Ashoka condemned the government’s reported intention to invoke the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) against protesting workers, asserting that protests are continuing.

He noted that garbage collection has been hampered in parts of Bengaluru, claiming that contractors are considering stopping work due to outstanding payments. He urged the government to release necessary funds and address these pressing issues.

The Opposition leader further claimed that internal conflicts within the Congress have adversely impacted governance and called on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to clarify the current political dynamics within the ruling party.

He also expressed concern that significant government contracts are being awarded to contractors from outside Karnataka, which raises questions about opportunities for local contractors.

As of now, the state government has not provided a response to these allegations.