R Ashoka, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the state's Congress government, demanding accountability for a string of serious incidents including an alleged ₹80 lakh bribery deal in Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment, deaths in an IPL victory celebration stampede, and a surge in farmer suicides. Ashoka drew a direct parallel to Union Ministers who resigned over the NEET examination controversy, questioning why the same standard of moral and administrative responsibility was not being applied in Karnataka.

The KPSC Recruitment Controversy

Ashoka cited reports of an audio clip that purportedly captures an ₹80 lakh deal for a single veterinary officer post under the KPSC. He demanded a comprehensive, independent, and transparent probe into the allegations. 'Who will take responsibility for these allegations? Who will resign?' he asked, pressing the state government to act rather than deflect.

IPL Stampede and Loss of Lives

The Leader of Opposition also raised the IPL victory celebration stampede, in which 11 people lost their lives. Ashoka questioned when justice would be delivered to the bereaved families and who would assume moral and administrative responsibility for the tragedy. The incident has been a flashpoint for criticism of the state administration's crowd management failures.

Farmer Suicides and Microfinance Concerns

Ashoka further alleged that thousands of farmers had died by suicide during the Congress government's tenure in Karnataka. He also claimed that several borrowers had taken their own lives due to what he described as the government's alleged failure to rein in exploitative microfinance practices in the state. These claims have not been independently verified, and the state government has not responded to the specific figures cited.

Ashoka's Accountability Argument

'Power in a democracy is not merely about holding office, it also comes with responsibility. When mistakes occur, governments must accept accountability instead of shifting blame to officials or escaping through token investigations,' Ashoka said. He asserted that truth must emerge in every case, legal action must follow against those found guilty, and the state must work to restore public confidence in governance. This comes amid a broader national debate on political accountability triggered by ministerial resignations over the NEET paper leak row, making Ashoka's parallel pointed and politically calculated. The Karnataka Congress government is yet to formally respond to the specific demands raised.