Belagavi, Dec 10 (NationPress) The Opposition Leader in the Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashoka, sharply criticized the Congress-led administration during a session on Wednesday, highlighting the ongoing leadership struggle. He urged members of the historic party to convene and determine who should be the Chief Minister.

In his address to the Legislative Assembly, Ashoka remarked: "When a king advances, his soldiers advance twofold. However, in this case, there is a clear lack of leadership. One MLA claims that Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar is the 'Chief Minister.' This has created confusion surrounding the leadership. Enjoying 'idli vada' will not resolve any issues. Proclaiming 'I am CM' in public does not bring honor to the Chief Minister position. They should come together and determine who the CM is."

He also touched on the situation of transgenders, stating, "Society places them at a disadvantage. Thus, the government should consider allocating at least 0.5 percent reservation for them."

Ashoka addressed the challenges faced by the North Karnataka region, referencing the Dr. Nanjundappa report. He pointed out, "Last assembly session, CM Siddaramaiah committed to providing a report within six months. A committee led by Prof. Govindarao was established, yet twelve months have passed without any results."

He questioned the progress on the KKRDB funding initiative, which was supposed to allocate Rs 900 crore for constructing district taluk hospitals, PHCs, and CHCs: "Where is the advancement on that?"

Ashoka remarked, "While Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has spoken about promoting industries, 216 factories remain in the establishment phase. Additionally, the commerce and industries department has 221 factories awaiting initiation. Plans for cotton factory development, tourism enhancement, and raising the Almatti reservoir to 224 meters by acquiring 73,603 acres were mentioned. Yet, none have been realized," he stated.

The senior BJP leader emphasized that to execute the Almatti reservoir elevation project, either guarantee schemes must be suspended, or a 20 percent funding cut across all departments is necessary, as indicated by the Finance Department.

"This proposal has reached the Cabinet, suggesting cuts of Rs 2,176 crore for urban development, Rs 874 crore for rural development, and Rs 833 crore for welfare of scheduled castes. Now, CM Siddaramaiah must follow through on his promises. No minister has visited North Karnataka. It's time to replace such ministers," he remarked.

Ashoka highlighted that Rs 26,578 crore was allocated to the rural development department, but only Rs 7,049 crore has been released, with just 19.63 percent having been utilized.

He listed other allocations: Rs 2,440 crore for the Forest Department, with Rs 1,215 crore released, and only Rs 791 crore spent; Rs 270 crore for youth empowerment, with Rs 145 crore released, and merely Rs 40 crore (14 percent) expended; Rs 3,157 crore for planning, of which Rs 1,081 crore (19 percent) has been utilized; and Rs 26,678 crore for urban development, with only Rs 5,366 crore (19 percent) spent. Money remains unspent across all departments," he asserted.

Additionally, he noted that in Kalyana Karnataka, fifty-three degree colleges had no results in 2024-25.

"Five Morarji Desai residential schools also reported zero results. The Chief Minister promised to fill 21,000 teaching positions, but that commitment remains unfulfilled. In this area, 50,244 children are malnourished. While the per capita income in Bengaluru is Rs 7 lakh, it stands at Rs 1.43 lakh in Kalaburagi," he added.

Ashoka raised concerns regarding the Tungabhadra reservoir: "Water flowed from the gate into Andhra Pradesh due to the absence of 33 installed gates. When I visited, contractors mentioned that a Rs 12 crore bill remains unpaid. Despite protests and shutdowns, the government has taken no action. Consequently, two crops have been lost. Therefore, an indemnity of Rs 25,000 per acre should be granted," Ashoka insisted.