Opposition leader Ashoka condemns Sidlaghatta incident, slams Congress

BENGALURU: Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, R Ashoka, on Wednesday condemned the Sidlaghatta incident, claiming that the Congress leader Rajeev Gowda allegedly threatened the Municipal Commissioner Amrutha Gowda with threats of beating her with a slipper and setting her on fire over the alleged removal of an illegal flex banner.

While addressing a press conference, LoP R Ashok slammed the Congress party, saying that the officers have had no peace ever since the party came into power.

Amrutha Gowda broke down after being abused by Rajeev Gowda.

“After the Congress came to power, officers have had no peace; it’s either harassment or death. An SP was slapped, there was a death in the Valmiki Corporation case, a librarian committed suicide, and another officer died after money was allegedly extorted from him for a transfer”.

Speaking on the Sidlaghatta incident, he asked why no action has been initiated against the controversial remarks of the Congress leader.

“In Sidlaghatta, Rajeev Gowda has allegedly threatened Municipal Commissioner Amrutha Gowda, saying he would set her on fire and beat her with a slipper. In Sidlaghatta, 80 per cent of those working are Dalits, and Rajeev Gowda said he would beat them with a slipper. He is a defeated candidate and a Congress leader. He issued threats because an illegal flex banner was removed. He insulted a female officer. The chairperson of the Women’s Commission rushed to the Kogilu Layout earlier. Why has no action been taken now?” he firmly questioned.

On Tuesday, Ashoka criticised the state government’s top leadership for “prioritising” party leader Rahul Gandhi’s transit at Mysuru airport over German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit.

Questioning Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar for missing German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to Bengaluru, the BJP leader alleged that they prioritised “high command pleasing” over the state’s global standing.

Ashoka further termed their actions as a “missed opportunity” for investment, industry, employment and long-term growth for Karnataka.

#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrives at Kempegowda International Airport. pic.twitter.com/g0hPiz9Fg4

— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2026

Highlighting the significance of the German Chancellor’s visit, he said, “Any other responsible Chief Minister would have personally ensured that such a visit was accorded the seriousness it deserved – as an opportunity for investment, industry, employment and long-term growth for Karnataka”.

“While the German Chancellor landed in Bengaluru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar chose to be in Mysuru to receive Rahul Gandhi, who was merely transiting to Ooty”, he added in a post on X.

His reaction came after Congress had raised strong objections when Rahul Gandhi was not invited to a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit last month. (ANI)