Mandya (Karnataka), Feb 28 (NationPress) R. Ashoka, the Opposition Leader in the Assembly and a prominent BJP figure, asserted on Saturday that the state government is on the verge of transforming Karnataka into a pauper state, prompting widespread protests. He declared that the BJP and JD(S) will unite to challenge the government's actions during the forthcoming Budget Session.

At a press briefing, Ashoka stated, "The issues stemming from Congress’s governance will be addressed in the Budget session. The BJP and JD(S) will stand together. Under the administration of the Siddaramaiah government, an additional 20 taluks have been categorized as backward."

He further claimed, "In response to potential student protests, the government is aiming to create 56,000 jobs. However, the BJP had advocated for 200,000 positions. The government is mandated to submit an affidavit to the court regarding internal reservation, and it must comply with the court's ruling."

Ashoka criticized the state government, saying that its tenure has been marred by numerous issues, including corruption, struggles over the chief minister's position, and shortages in funding.

He noted that essential medications have not yet been procured for government hospitals, while a directive has been issued for local medical officers to refrain from purchasing medicines independently until the government arranges for them.

"Starting March 13, government doctors will begin protests, leading to significant challenges for patients. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao bears direct responsibility for this situation," Ashoka alleged.

The Health Department is in dire straits, with a 40 percent reduction in budget allocations, he mockingly stated.

Ashoka continued, "The government should have provided the e-Khata at no cost, but instead has opened avenues for corruption. Individuals are required to pay bribes of Rs 30,000 to obtain an e-Khata. Revenue collections are falling short of targets by 20 percent. In the Excise Department, substantial bribes are necessary to obtain approval for new liquor shops. Congress leaders who advocate for Mahatma Gandhi’s principles are engaged in bribery to establish new liquor outlets," he claimed.

He pointed out that funds are being amassed ahead of elections in five states, asserting that when ministerial changes occur, those in office must pay money to the higher-ups.

"Ministers like D.K. Shivakumar and K.J. George have been assigned election responsibilities. The Congress high command has turned Karnataka into an ATM, leading to a surge in protests from Anganwadi workers, contractors, and transport personnel.

"With the treasury depleted, widespread protests have erupted. For Anganwadi children, only 50 paise is allocated for vegetables, amounting to Rs 5 for ten children. A mere half-kilo of vegetables is expected for ten children, while the minimum price for a kilo is Rs 40. Due to the guarantee schemes, funds are insufficient, necessitating such low allocations for vegetables," he said.

Ashoka also mentioned that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has incurred a debt of Rs 3.5 lakh crore, the highest ever by a chief minister. By the end of the five-year term, this debt could escalate to Rs 6 lakh crore. Each citizen currently bears a debt of Rs 1 lakh, with an additional Rs 1 lakh expected to follow.

He concluded by asserting that the Congress party has become financially insolvent and is now attempting to render Karnataka a pauper state.