Bagalkot (Karnataka), April 4 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, made a pointed criticism of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during a press conference on Saturday, claiming that there is a possibility that Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar might take over the Chief Minister's position post-April 20. Ashoka stated, “What will transpire after April 20 is anyone's guess. D.K. Shivakumar is poised to seize the Chief Minister's role.”

He further emphasized that Siddaramaiah has not indicated that a leader from the Scheduled Tribe community would be appointed as Chief Minister, and given the unpredictability surrounding his own standing, it appears unlikely.

“Parameshwara is eager to ascend to the Chief Minister's chair, but it remains to be seen if luck will be on his side,” he remarked.

Ashoka accused Siddaramaiah of revealing his “true colors” during the 2018 Assembly elections in Mysuru, where he faced defeat in the Chamundeshwari constituency. Due to significant anti-incumbency sentiments, Siddaramaiah had to run from Badami, where he narrowly secured victory.

“The people of Badami supported him, yet he deserted them in the 2023 elections to contest from Varuna in Mysuru. Now, he has returned to Bagalkot, but he is likely to abandon this area as well,” Ashoka criticized.

He added that Siddaramaiah has previously contested from Badami and is making a return.

“After enjoying the support of Badami’s residents, he bid farewell. Now he promises a wave of development in Bagalkot over the next two years. What progress did your own MLA achieve during his three years in power?” he challenged.

Ashoka noted that the developmental initiatives undertaken by former MLA Veeranna Charantimath are still remembered by the constituents, expressing confidence that voters will choose him again.

Attacking the Congress government, Ashoka asserted that a power struggle for the Chief Minister's role has been ongoing since their assumption of power.

“In three years, 30 scandals have emerged, from the Valmiki scam to the alleged 60% commission scam involving contractors. A minister reportedly amassed wealth through a liquor lobby and sent funds to Delhi. There have been no achievements in three years; no funds allocated for irrigation. Congress leaders seem only interested in profiting,” he alleged.

He further claimed that no dams have been constructed, nor has any medical college been set up.

“Since Congress took office, even primary health centers lack doctors. There are no funds for procuring medicines, and no tenders have been issued in three years due to financial constraints. Loans taken for development have only increased. Siddaramaiah has become a ‘pleasure-seeking Ramaiah’ through excessive borrowing,” he stated.

Ashoka claimed that Siddaramaiah is now appealing to smaller communities for votes.

Labeling the government as anti-farmer, Ashoka alleged that there have been no funds allocated for irrigation, contrasting this with the substantial allocations made by the previous BJP government.

He accused Congress of misdirecting taxpayer funds to Wayanad and questioned the effectiveness of its guarantee schemes. “If these guarantees genuinely aided farmers, why are they resorting to suicide?” he questioned.

He also alleged that the government has diverted Rs 53,000 crore intended for Dalits and has been consistently sending funds to the party's high command, thus increasing the state’s debt and steering Karnataka towards a downward spiral.