Bengaluru, Feb 6 (NationPress) R. Ashoka, the Karnataka Leader of the Opposition, asserted on Saturday that the conflict between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has reignited.

Ashoka's comments were in response to recent remarks made by Congress leaders concerning a potential shift in leadership within the state.

He stated, “In Karnataka, we are witnessing power struggles instead of development. Rather than looking to Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, Congress leaders should acknowledge Yathindra (the son of CM Siddaramaiah and Congress MLC) as their leader.”

Ashoka continued, asserting that while Congress leaders claim the high command will decide, Yathindra insists that his father will serve a full term as Chief Minister.

“They have a toothless high command,” Ashoka stated.

The debate surrounding Congress leadership has re-emerged in Karnataka, with Yathindra Siddaramaiah affirming that the call for a leadership change has been rejected by the high command, ensuring his father’s position for five years.

Regarding the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) elections, Ashoka mentioned that discussions will include all MLAs and district office bearers.

On the subject of local body elections using ballot papers, Ashoka declared that while Rajiv Gandhi introduced EVMs, Congress lacks faith in them.

“The court has validated EVMs. Instead of learning from their defeats due to poor leadership, they are blaming EVMs. Transitioning back to a system people have already adapted to will be challenging,” he remarked.

He criticized the government for lacking funds for development and claimed that salaries for employees are not being disbursed properly.

“The Hate Speech Prohibition Bill should have been thoroughly discussed in the session, rather than wasting Rs 67 crore to identify those who speak against Congress,” he asserted.

Ashoka claimed that during the special session, the opposition revealed instances of corruption within the state government.

He mentioned a Rs 6,000 crore scam in the Excise Department, providing five documents and audio recordings as evidence.

“Despite this, the government continues to request evidence. Previously, contractors mentioned 40% corruption, and Congress leaders accused the BJP government. Now, the liquor sellers' association claims there is 80% corruption and plans to report it to Rahul Gandhi,” he stated.

He added that despite this, Siddaramaiah and Minister Thimmappur have not resigned, thereby betraying public trust.

Ashoka further noted that the opposition has released an advertisement on behalf of the party regarding the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G) scheme.

“Unlike Congress, we have not utilized government funds for advertisements,” he concluded.