Should K'taka BJP Discuss the Drug Mafia Instead of VB-G RAM-G?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Karnataka BJP is advocating for discussions on the drug mafia instead of VB-G RAM-G.
- R. Ashoka emphasizes the need to address issues affecting Kannada-speaking individuals.
- The Congress government faces criticism for its handling of financial matters and industrial opportunities.
- Calls for a task force to address illegal immigration have been proposed.
Bengaluru, Jan 14 (NationPress) In response to the Congress-led government's decision to convene a special session regarding the Centre's latest initiative, Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM-G), the Karnataka BJP has urged that the focus should instead be on pressing matters such as the drug mafia and the alleged marginalization of Kannada-speaking individuals in Kerala.
The ruling Congress government in Karnataka is against the new VB-G RAM-G initiative, which was introduced in late 2025 to overhaul the existing MGNREGA rural employment scheme. This initiative aims to provide 125 days of guaranteed work while linking it to essential rural infrastructure as part of India’s vision for 2047.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Opposition Leader R. Ashoka emphasized the need for a special session to address issues like the drug mafia, the rehabilitation of encroachers in Bengaluru, and other significant concerns, rather than focusing solely on VB-G RAM-G.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced a special session from January 22 to 31 to discuss the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yojana. Ashoka suggested that discussions should prioritize the drug mafia and related issues.
He remarked that if there are objections regarding VB-G RAM-G, they should be addressed to the Central government. Ashoka criticized Siddaramaiah for not attending important events like the World Economic Forum in Davos or meetings of the NITI Aayog and GST.
He asserted that the state has lost potential industries due to the Chief Minister's inaction, while he has prioritized meeting with Rahul Gandhi.
A special session is also being called following the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from certain initiatives. Ashoka pointed out that despite Gandhi's legacy, the Congress party has not adhered to many of his principles.
He also criticized the Congress for granting bar licenses freely and failing to honor Gandhi’s ideals, questioning their objection to the name 'Viksit Bharat.'
Ashoka further remarked on the financial situation of the state, labeling Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as 'Pauper Siddaramaiah', citing a significant debt of over Rs 4 lakh crore.
He condemned the misuse of public funds in the upcoming session, recalling that names of deceased individuals were previously used in the employment guarantee scheme. He noted improvements like the introduction of biometric attendance to prevent fraud.
Additionally, he called out the Congress for their inability to address illegal immigration, particularly the presence of over 2 lakh Bangladeshis in the state, proposing the formation of a task force for their deportation.