Protest in Karnataka Against Closure of Mandya University by BJP and JD-S

Mandya (Karnataka), March 1 (NationPress) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) organized a protest in Mandya on Saturday, denouncing the action taken by the Congress-led government in Karnataka to close Mandya University, which was established during the previous BJP administration.

During the rally, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, R. Ashoka, voiced his anger towards the Congress-led government, claiming that universities are being shut down under the guise of being unprofitable.

He accused the Congress government of being in a state of financial crisis.

He went on to say: "Mandya district has been lacking in educational opportunities. The BJP government had approved nine new universities to enhance education in the districts, but the Congress government has now taken them away. A report asserting the closure of universities states they are not profitable. The government’s intention is to ensure that even educational institutions must generate revenue.”

“This is due to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar practically pleading for funds. This time, they have borrowed a staggering Rs 1 lakh crore. Among all former Chief Ministers, Siddaramaiah has incurred the highest debts," he claimed.

He further stated: "If a district has a university, it can achieve self-sufficiency in education. Education is not a commercial venture; it is a national asset. Bars that were previously closed are now being reopened, whereas universities are being shut down. Operating all universities requires only Rs 252 crore.

If the government claims to close universities while offering freebies, then these guarantees are meaningless. When the BJP government set up universities, no new positions were created; the existing staff was appointed," he criticized.

Ashoka challenged the government, questioning whether shutting down universities would lead to profit or loss.

"That is not the core issue. The real question is -- how does this affect students? The government must clarify this. Just as people fight for water, the residents of Mandya will fight for education. If the government lacks funds, let them admit it directly. We will collectively raise money and manage the universities ourselves," he proclaimed.

Criticizing the financial strategies of the Congress government, he said: "This government has become financially dependent due to its guarantee schemes and has now closed universities. Universities were created in districts like Mandya and Chamarajanagar to better education. Now, with the closure of universities, they might as well replace them with bars. The government should clarify whether its priority is education or liquor distribution."

Ashoka further remarked, "No additional evidence is required to prove that this government is financially insolvent. Both state and central governments provide funding for universities. If the BJP government had not previously allocated funds, then where did the new university buildings come from? The infrastructure was established before these universities opened, but now this government is unable to sustain them. We will raise our voices in the Assembly and fight for the rights of students," he asserted.

He also criticized the Congress high command, stating: "When Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar attended the Kumbh Mela, the Congress high command remained silent. When he met the Prime Minister, they did nothing. Even when he praised the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, they did not respond. Recently, he visited the Isha Foundation. If the Congress high command is courageous, let them suspend D.K. Shivakumar. No one from our side has invited him to join the party," he concluded.