Karnataka Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka on Friday, 6 November launched a sharp attack on the state's Congress government, alleging that government hospitals across the state lack funds for basic blood tests and are facing critical shortages of essential medicines, pushing poor patients to private facilities at their own expense. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader directly addressed Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Health Minister U.T. Khader, demanding accountability.

Allegations of Healthcare Neglect

Ashoka alleged that while government hospitals possess the necessary equipment, no funds exist to conduct routine blood tests. He further claimed that laboratories within these hospitals are being shut down, compelling poor patients to turn to private labs — a situation he characterised as part of a 'commission-driven racket.'

He also alleged shortages of basic medicines including cough tablets and paracetamol, reportedly forcing economically vulnerable patients to spend thousands of rupees at private medical stores. 'Who is responsible for all this? Who should be held accountable?' Ashoka demanded.

Broader Financial Crisis Charges

Beyond healthcare, Ashoka listed what he described as a wide-ranging financial collapse under the Congress administration. He alleged the government lacks funds to pay Gruha Lakshmi scheme beneficiaries, clear dues to transport corporations and electricity supply companies, provide drought relief to farmers, purchase diesel for government buses, and release fellowships for research students.

He specifically alleged that fellowship funds under the Minority Welfare Department have not been released for 45 research students for the past 11 months, pushing financially vulnerable students into debt.

Ashoka's Political Charges Against the Congress Government

'The Congress government has completely looted the state treasury, pushed the government towards bankruptcy and destroyed the entire administrative system. It should be ashamed,' Ashoka said. He further alleged the government was 'squeezing the blood of the poor' by neglecting public healthcare while channelling patients towards private operators.

Ashoka also questioned where the funds collected through increased taxes and price hikes had been spent, if basic services and welfare schemes remain unfunded. He demanded that the government apologise to the people of Karnataka and resign, asserting it had 'no moral right to continue in office.'

Context and What Comes Next

This comes amid broader criticism of the Karnataka Congress government's fiscal management, with opposition parties repeatedly raising concerns about delays in implementing flagship welfare schemes since the government assumed office. The Congress is yet to formally respond to Ashoka's specific allegations about hospital fund shortfalls and medicine shortages.

The BJP's escalating attack on healthcare and welfare delivery signals that the opposition intends to make fiscal governance a central political issue ahead of local body elections. Whether the state government provides a verifiable rebuttal or independent audit of hospital finances will be closely watched in coming days.