‘No development work is happening in Karnataka, Congress MLAs are revolting’: LoP R Ashoka

BENGALURU: The Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, on Saturday said that no development work is happening in the state, and Congress MLAs are revolting over this fact.

Speaking at a press conference, Ashoka said Congress leaders have accused Legislative Council member N. Ravikumar of making derogatory remarks.

“However, CM Siddaramaiah himself spoke disrespectfully against an IAS officer, a District Commissioner, and a police officer, yet no action was taken. No development work is happening in the state, and MLAs are revolting. High Court has directed a CBI probe into the Valmiki Development Corporation scam, and Ravikumar’s statement is being used to create controversy to divert attention from these issues,” Ashoka said.

Ashoka claimed that an FIR is filed if BJP members make mistakes, but no complaints are registered against Congress members.

He criticised Siddaramaiah for addressing everyone, including the President, in the singular, implying that Congress operates under a different set of laws. He challenged Congress to clarify what “obscene” remarks Ravikumar allegedly made.

Ashoka asserted that a change in the CM’s position is certain, with Congress MLAs predicting that D.K. Shivakumar will become CM. He pointed out that Shivakumar’s temple visits and prayers are indicative of this. He sarcastically remarked that before targeting the BJP, Congress should first resolve its internal issues.

Amid growing political speculation about a possible mid-term change at the helm of the Karnataka government, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dismissed the BJP’s claims of internal rift among senior state leaders.

Siddaramaiah in unequivocal terms asserted that he will complete his five-year term in a “rock solid” manner and that the BJP is “daydreaming” over any such possibility.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who has been touted to become the next Chief Minister, as claimed by several BJP leaders and Congress leaders, including Veerappa Moily in the past, came behind in support of Siddaramaiah and said that he will fully support the Chief Minister and will respect the Congress’s high command decision.BJP, on the other hand, has strongly asserted that Karnataka is all set to get a new Chief Minister from the Congress party.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, while speaking after visiting the Bhoga Nandishwara Temple, said, “What the BJP says is only lies. You (media) only don’t believe what they say. They’re known for lies. They don’t know how to speak the truth. Doesn’t matter whether they believe it or not, we are all together.”

“Our government will remain for five years like a rock, as I told you in Mysore. BJP people are daydreaming,” he added. (ANI)