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Bengaluru, October 27 (IANS) Leader of opposition in Karnataka Assembly R. Ashok on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Congress government, alleging that the condition of roads in Bengaluru and across the state has become so bad that potholes could be eligible for a Guinness record.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Ashok claimed that at least 12 people have lost their lives in pothole-related accidents. He said, “Potholes have turned into a death trap. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar roams around the city wearing cooling glasses, so he does not see the potholes. People are saying that they will stop paying taxes and fill the potholes themselves.”
Accusing the government of neglecting road development, Ashok questioned Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s instructions to take up even a single layer of asphalting. “Where will the government bring in Rs 4,000-5,000 crore? Librarians and Anganwadi workers have not even received their salaries. The BBMP is leaderless and tenders are not being processed. So we will cancel the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) in future,” he said.
Protesting against the proposed tunnel road project in Bengaluru, Ashok alleged that the government was planning to acquire five to six acres of land of Lalbagh, which he described as the “lungs of the city”. “You cannot dig a tunnel in a historical park. It will damage the groundwater. Kempegowda Tower is there – tomorrow they can even demolish it. The government should listen to scientists and environmentalists,” he said.
He further claimed that the tunnel project would meet the same fate as the Attinahole project. “No matter how much money is allocated, it cannot be implemented. The same money can be used to expand the Metro,” he suggested, warning that Shivakumar “should not become the villain of Bengaluru”.
Ashok also attacked the government over compensation to rain-affected farmers, saying no relief has been given and crops like soybean, sunflower, urad, horseradish and onion should be procured immediately.
Criticizing the financial management of the state, he said only 30 per cent of the budgeted funds for 2025-26 have been utilized so far. He alleged, “Only 11.02 per cent funds have been utilized in RDPR department, only 10.86 per cent in IT-BT, 44 per cent in Animal Husbandry and 46 per cent in Revenue. Minister Priyank Kharge, who criticizes RSS, has the worst record in his departments.”
He also accused the government of creating a “wealth-collection scheme” through an account transfer fee. “Those who already have sites are being forced to pay again. People should be cautious,” he said.
Referring to the ongoing debate on leadership within the Congress, Ashok reiterated that a change in chief minister is “definite”. “When I warned of revolution in November, they criticized me. Now Congress leaders themselves are speaking about it,” he said.
–IANS
MKA/PGH