Bengaluru, Feb 5 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, R. Ashoka, stated on Thursday that the BJP has successfully unveiled the supposed corruption linked to the Congress-led government during the special legislative session that took place from January 22 to February 4.

In a press briefing, Ashoka remarked, “The struggle regarding the purported excise scam initiated in the session will not cease. Plans for statewide demonstrations on behalf of the party are already underway. Eventually, this matter will be brought before the people's court. We are also considering initiating a legal battle.”

“There are signs that additional critical evidence related to the scam is forthcoming. With this evidence, the true nature of this government will be revealed to the public,” he added.

“Since its inception, the government has been ensnared in a series of scams. The corruption amounting to over Rs 6,000 crore within the Excise Department is just the latest in a long list,” Ashoka charged.

He asserted that the Congress-led government has no notable development initiatives to highlight and that the treasury is depleted.

“They are unable to contribute their 40% share for development projects and schemes. Therefore, like ‘a stone in curd for an unwilling husband’, they are voicing objections against the ‘VB-GRAMG’ Act introduced by the Central government,” he commented.

To obscure this reality, he alleged that the government is making unfounded accusations and blaming the Centre.

He claimed that crores of rupees have been spent from the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department to disseminate advertisements in the media.

Despite the government's financial constraints, taxpayer money is being squandered on such political theatrics, he asserted.

Ashoka accused the government of misusing the MGNREGA scheme and embezzling crores of rupees, asserting that the new Act has curtailed such practices.

He noted that a new stringent law has been established, infused with modern principles, and that the scheme has been crafted in alignment with Mahatma Gandhi's vision of Gram Swaraj.

“However, as their opportunities for corruption have diminished and they must now cover a 40% share, they are resorting to baseless allegations out of desperation,” he alleged.

He claimed that over the past two-and-a-half years, the government’s sole achievements have been scams.

“That is why they are clashing with the Governor and plotting to mislead the citizens of the state under the guise of passing resolutions against the Centre,” he stated.

Nevertheless, he claimed that the BJP's efforts within the House have successfully communicated the truth to the public.

“The scam exceeding Rs 6,000 crore in the Excise Department has been meticulously detailed during the session. We have called for the resignation of Minister R.B. Thimmapur and demanded an inquiry by a sitting judge,” Ashoka said.

“However, as everyone from the high command to the Chief Minister is implicated in the corruption, the entire Cabinet has rallied in support of the tainted minister. This unprecedented situation has never occurred in the state's history. It is evident that the embezzled funds are being utilized for elections in neighboring states,” he alleged.

Ashoka further remarked, “Minister Thimmapur had stated he would resign if even a single piece of evidence was presented against him. Not one, not two, but over five pieces of evidence were provided.”

“Serious evidence was submitted, including three audio recordings involving high-ranking officials accepting bribes, two Lokayukta complaints, a complaint to the Governor, and a voluntary statement from a person named Ningappa, who was apprehended by the Lokayukta concerning the alleged excise scam,” he claimed.

“However, this unresponsive government did not yield,” he stated.

Referring to alleged disrespectful comments directed at BJP MLAs by Congress MLA Shivalinge Gowda, Ashoka noted that the legislator exhibited unparliamentary behavior during protests.

He indicated that the BJP condemned the conduct within the House itself and alleged that the Speaker acted in favor of the Congress.

“While Shivalinge Gowda made personal allegations, he was sitting there smiling. This is not only a significant disappointment but has also tarnished the dignity of the chair,” Ashoka expressed.

He added that resistance was voiced within the House regarding this matter.

“Ultimately, in this session, the government was made aware of the people's concerns. We are also pleased that the session brought to light the government’s scams, corruption, and irregularities,” he said.

“We will not cease exposing this government's misdeeds in the forthcoming Budget session,” Ashoka concluded.