Bengaluru, March 27 (NationPress) The BJP in Karnataka has issued a stern warning to the Congress-led state government, threatening significant protests should there be any rise in petrol or diesel prices. This statement comes alongside praise for the Central government’s recent reductions in fuel prices.

During a press conference in Bengaluru, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the price cuts announced in honor of Sri Ramanavami. He pointed out an earlier instance when the Congress government raised prices despite a reduction in GST on ghee.

“If they proceed with increasing fuel prices, we will initiate a major protest. Price reductions must not be politicized or linked to elections. Elections happen throughout the year in India. Regardless of any positive measures taken, Congress leaders choose to criticize them, and they continue this trend now,” he stated.

On the topic of IPL matches in Bengaluru, Ashoka emphasized the necessity for adequate security measures. He reminded the media of a past incident where a lack of police presence led to 11 innocent lives lost during a photo session involving ministers and RCB players at Vidhana Soudha. “Steps must be implemented to avert any recurrence. Should any mishap occur, the government will be held accountable,” he cautioned.

He mentioned that if MLAs receive tickets, they would distribute them to party workers. “I will refrain from attending IPL matches. VIP tickets should be allocated to others. A clear policy needs to be established. We have proposed that tickets be sold online,” he noted.

Ashoka accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of accumulating debts totaling Rs 1.32 lakh crore and warned that new taxes would likely be introduced soon. “In the last three years, he has amassed loans amounting to approximately Rs 3.5 lakh crore. A thorough discussion on this matter has taken place in the Assembly. There was an attempt to close the aviation training facility in Jakkur to construct a new complex, which we opposed successfully. We also contested an attempt to encroach upon six acres of land belonging to the silk reeling factory in T. Narasipura, and the minister has assured that it will remain operational,” he elaborated.

He criticized the government for launching the “Sky Deck” project in Bengaluru, stating, “Initially, they spoke of branding, but they are damaging the existing infrastructure of Bengaluru. Despite lacking funds, they are making grandiose claims. We have raised these concerns in the Assembly and questioned the alleged misappropriation of funds in various schemes, including Rs 5,000 crore for Gruha Lakshmi and Rs 700 crore for Anna Bhagya. Regrettably, the Chief Minister and his ministers have not provided satisfactory answers,” he alleged.

Ashoka further asserted that the Congress government is raising funds by issuing public bonds. “With the treasury depleted, they are attempting to mobilize Rs 48,000 crore. The populace will struggle to repay this debt. The Bengaluru envisioned by Kempegowda has been fragmented and devastated,” he stated.

Regarding the Metro project, he remarked that in response to a query from MP P.C. Mohan in the Lok Sabha, the state government claimed that the Centre’s contribution was merely 12 percent. “In truth, the funding is shared equally at a 50:50 ratio. The state government does not have full control over the Metro. If it did, commuters might end up traveling in tipper trucks,” he quipped.

He added that although utilization certificates have been submitted under the Jal Jeevan Mission, the remaining funds remain unreleased due to delays from officials in providing accurate documentation. “We have also raised concerns regarding the misappropriation of SCSP/TSP funds. We have brought all these issues to a logical conclusion,” he concluded.