Bengaluru, March 30 (NationPress) R. Ashoka, the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, asserted on Monday that under the current Congress administration, Karnataka has transformed into a center for drug-related activities, attributing this to what he labeled as 'poor governance'.

In a statement to the media, he expressed concern over the alarming rise in drug incidents in the state, claiming that the once-revered 'sandalwood land' is now plagued by such issues.

Ashoka cited various instances of drug seizures throughout Karnataka. He revealed that on February 10, drugs valued at Rs 2 crore were confiscated, followed by a significant bust of Rs 21 crore on February 18. He also mentioned drug seizures in Puttur town of Mangaluru district on February 20 and the dismantling of a drug factory in Mysuru on February 25. Further, on February 27, drugs worth Rs 5 crore were intercepted, and on March 28, another recovery of Rs 12 crore occurred in Hunsur town, Mysuru district.

It is important to note that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is from Mysuru district.

Ashoka criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's administration, referring to it as 'Tughlaq-style governance', and claimed that the rise in narcotics is jeopardizing the future of the youth in the state.

He accused the government of neglecting law and order, suggesting that the situation has 'collapsed' under its management. In his critique of Home Minister G. Parameshwara, Ashoka remarked that the minister seems oblivious and inactive in the face of escalating concerns.

Furthermore, Ashoka raised serious questions regarding whether the Congress government is indirectly shielding drug networks within the state, stating that this has sparked widespread anxiety among the populace.

He also highlighted the adverse impact of unseasonal rains on farmers and the general community in various parts of Karnataka, urging the government to implement immediate relief measures.

Ashoka noted that districts like Mangaluru, Chikkamagaluru, Madikeri, Mysuru, Mandya, and Hassan have suffered extensive damage due to heavy rainfall. He mentioned that arecanut, rubber, and coconut plantations have been uprooted, along with significant damage to residential structures.

He called for an immediate assessment of the affected areas, urging officials from the Revenue and Agriculture Departments to visit these regions promptly to evaluate crop losses and property damage.

Additionally, he demanded that the government provide enhanced compensation for farmers who have lost commercial crops like arecanut and rubber, emphasizing that the relief should be based on scientific assessments.

Ashoka brought attention to the plight of families rendered homeless, urging the government to provide urgent temporary aid and financial support for reconstruction.

He pointed out that fallen trees have damaged electrical poles in several locations, disrupting power supply, and called for prompt restoration efforts to restore normalcy for the public.

Expressing concern for distressed farmers, Ashoka urged the government to take swift action and initiate relief operations on an urgent basis to assist those affected.