Karnataka's Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka on Thursday, 3 September sharply challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to hold his 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' outreach programme at the Mugololli Tanda government school in Bagalkot taluk, where a roof collapsed on students who were attending classes. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader used the incident to mount a pointed attack on the Congress-led Karnataka government over what he called systemic neglect of children's education and safety.

The Bagalkot Incident

The roof of a government school at Mugololli Tanda in Bagalkot taluk, Karnataka, reportedly gave way while children were seated inside attending classes. The exact number of students affected was not immediately confirmed in official statements. Ashoka shared a video of the incident on social media platform X, drawing attention to the structural failure as evidence of deteriorating school infrastructure under the state government.

Ashoka's Challenge to Rahul Gandhi

Invoking Gandhi's 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' initiative — a Congress programme centred on engaging students — Ashoka demanded that the Congress leader visit the Bagalkot school and hear the voices of the children directly. 'Forget the stage. Forget the slogans. Forget the rehearsed speeches. Come to Karnataka. Stand in this school. Look at the children. Listen to their voices. Do your Chhatron Ki Goonj,' Ashoka said in his post on X.

The BJP leader also took a pointed swipe at the Congress's 'Khatakhat' electoral guarantee narrative. 'You gave us Khatakhat. Karnataka has given you the answer: KHATAKHAT — THE ROOF CAME DOWN,' Ashoka said, in a reference to the party's campaign promises.

Attack on the Congress Government's Guarantees

Ashoka directly questioned Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar over the state government's widely publicised guarantee schemes. 'A party that lectures India on Nyay cannot guarantee a safe classroom. A government that promises guarantees can't even guarantee the roof over a child's head,' he said.

He alleged that the broader condition of government schools in Karnataka had deteriorated under the Congress administration, citing reported shortages of shoes, socks, and textbooks for students, inadequate bus services, and a lack of basic infrastructure across schools in the state. 'Now, children do not even have a safe roof over their heads to peacefully attend classes,' Ashoka added.

BJP's Demands

Ashoka called on the Karnataka government to immediately order a statewide inspection of all dilapidated government school buildings, carry out urgent repair works, and ensure a safe learning environment for students. He accused the Congress administration of prioritising political publicity over children's welfare. 'Give as much importance to children's education and safety as you give to political publicity,' he said, addressing Chief Minister Shivakumar directly.

This is the latest in a series of BJP attacks on the Karnataka government over infrastructure and governance failures. With state politics already heated over the Congress's guarantee scheme rollout, the Bagalkot incident is likely to sustain pressure on the Shivakumar administration in the days ahead.