Bengaluru, Oct 27 (NationPress) R. Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, criticized the Congress government on Monday, arguing that the state of roads in Bengaluru has deteriorated to such an extent that the potholes could potentially “earn a spot in the Guinness records”.

During a press briefing in Bengaluru, Ashoka stated that at least 12 individuals have perished in accidents related to potholes. “These potholes have transformed into deadly traps. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar strolls around the city with sunglasses to avoid noticing them. Citizens are saying they might stop paying taxes and take it upon themselves to fill these potholes,” he commented.

He accused the administration of disregarding road development, questioning Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s directive for a single layer of asphalting. “How will the government source Rs 4,000–5,000 crore? Librarians and anganwadi workers haven’t received their dues. The BBMP is lacking leadership, and tenders are stalled. That’s why we plan to dissolve the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) in the future,” he declared.

Opposing the tunnel road proposal in Bengaluru, Ashoka claimed the government intends to seize five to six acres of Lalbagh, which he referred to as the “lungs of the city”. “You can’t excavate a tunnel in a historical park. It would jeopardize groundwater. The Kempegowda tower is present — they might even consider dismantling it. The government must heed the advice of scientists and environmentalists,” he emphasized.

He further suggested that the tunnel initiative would meet a similar fate as the Ettinahole project. “Regardless of the funds allocated, it cannot be realized. That same money could be utilized to expand the metro,” he proposed, cautioning that Shivakumar “should not turn into the antagonist of Bengaluru”.

Ashoka also criticized the government for its failure to compensate farmers affected by rainfall, asserting that no relief has been dispensed and immediate procurement of crops including soybean, sunflower, urad, horse gram, and onions is necessary.

He lambasted the state’s financial management, noting that only 30 percent of the budgeted funds for 2025–26 have been utilized so far. “In the RDPR department, merely 11.02 percent of funds have been spent, in IT-BT only 10.86 percent, in animal husbandry 44 percent, and in revenue 46 percent. Minister Priyank Kharge, who criticizes the RSS, has the poorest performance in his departments,” he alleged.

Furthermore, he accused the administration of establishing a “money-collection scheme” via A Khata transfer charges. “Individuals who already possess sites are being compelled to pay again. Citizens should remain vigilant,” he advised.

In light of the ongoing discourse regarding leadership within the Congress party, Ashoka reiterated the inevitability of a change in Chief Minister. “When I warned of a revolution in November, they mocked me. Now Congress leaders are voicing similar concerns,” he concluded.