‘Go Back’ campaign against minister Ashoka intensifies in Mandya district

MANDYA: The heat against Revenue Minister R Ashoka, who was recently given charge of Mandya district, seems to be only increasing. Days after posters came up and Facebook post was put out with slogans of ‘Go Back Ashok’, now graffiti have surfaced on the walls of the underpasses of the 10-lane Mysuru-Bengaluru expressway.

The BJP found a foothold in Mandya district after Narayana Gowda won the KR Pet bypoll on a BJP ticket after changing sides. Ahead of the 2023 Assembly polls, the party is aiming at clinching 4-5 seats in the district, and, as part of its strategy, the charge of Mandya district was handed over to R Ashoka by relieving Excise Minister K Gopalaiah. However, local leaders and party workers complain that Ashoka will get into pacts with JD(S) leaders and it will not be possible to build the party in the district.

The local leaders say that Gopalaiah and Narayana Gowda had been able to build the party at the grassroots levels and the party workers were charged about ensuring the candidate’s victory. Now, with Ashoka being given charge of Mandya, the enthusiasm among the cadre has dropped as Ashoka has previously had pacts with the JD(S), they alleged.