Bagalkot (Karnataka), April 6 (NationPress) R. Ashoka, a prominent leader from the BJP and the Leader of the Opposition, expressed confidence that the BJP will achieve significant victories in both the Davanagere South and Bagalkote constituencies. He asserted that the Congress party is currently encountering challenges in these areas and claimed that indications suggest Muslims in Davanagere are likely to abstain from voting.

During a press interaction at the BJP state headquarters 'Jagannath Bhavan' in Bengaluru on Monday, Ashoka noted that the Chief Minister, who had traveled to Kerala, hurried back to Bagalkot upon sensing potential defeat.

He questioned the Congress government's performance, arguing that if they had genuinely facilitated development and fulfilled their promises, they wouldn't be in such a predicament. “If there was authentic progress, people would voluntarily express their willingness to vote for you. However, that is far from the truth,” he stated.

According to Ashoka, the past three years have seen no development in the state, labeling it as “zero development.”

He held Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accountable for burdening the state with debt. “Not only has development stalled, but even the guarantees have been poorly executed. The Anna Bhagya (free rice) initiative has been misappropriated into ‘Kanna Bhagya’ (scheme of theft),” he alleged, adding that the public will respond to the Congress for their anti-development stance.

Additionally, he claimed that Congress supporters are covertly promoting BJP candidates in both constituencies.

In response to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's appeal for voters in Davanagere to back the impoverished, Ashoka remarked that the BJP candidate is indeed poor, suggesting that Siddaramaiah’s comments inadvertently endorse the BJP.

Regarding the cooking gas issue, he noted that it is a global problem, not confined to India. He referenced reports of petrol prices soaring to Rs 500 in Pakistan.

Ashoka criticized Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for attributing the gas crisis to Prime Minister Narendra Modi without acknowledging the wider global context.

He also pointed out that despite ongoing tensions in the Gulf, PM Modi has successfully negotiated with Iran to ensure that ships reach India.

He emphasized the disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, noting that while vessels from other nations face restrictions, Indian ships have been permitted to operate, crediting this to the central government's intervention. He accused D.K. Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah of waiting to provoke unrest.

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa remarked, “We must engage at the booth level to alleviate the people's suffering. Government initiatives should benefit every citizen.”

Yediyurappa highlighted that a robust organization can be forged when the wisdom of veterans merges with the vigor of youth. “Our party is the largest political entity globally,” he stated.

“Since our formation in 1980, our party has blossomed and achieved remarkable success, thanks to the people's blessings and your unwavering support,” he emphasized. He reiterated that serving the public is the party’s duty, urging workers to maintain humility before them.

He acknowledged the lasting impact of Atal Bihari Vajpayee's efforts and L.K. Advani's organizational prowess, which continue to motivate every party member. Various district leaders, MLAs, former MLAs, public representatives, and party workers were present during the event.