From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Nov 20: BJP opposition leader in the assembly R Ashoka has warned the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government to immediately restore the BPL cards of the poor or face locks on government offices by BJP workers.

Speaking to media persons after meeting families at Vrishabhavathi Nagar in Mahalakshmi Layout and Nandini Layout, whose BPL cards were cancelled, he said the government was trying to save money by cancelling BPL cards as it is unable to finance its guarantees.

“Those losing BPL cards are not the rich and do not travel in cars. They belong to poor families. A mother of a two-year-old child cannot work in a garment factory. A physically disabled man selling snacks on the roadside is unable to work due to health issues. Such families are being victimised by chief minister Siddaramaiah,” he said.

He said the chief minister boasts of presenting 14 budgets but lacks common sense. “Those availing loans from banks have to furnish their income tax details. As many as 11 lac BPL cards have already been cancelled, and another 14 lac cards are being targeted. The government should have at least issued notices before deciding to cancel the cards,” he said.

He also criticised the state government for lacking funds for development and alleged that the available funds are being used for “bribery.” "MLAs themselves are complaining about a lack of grants,” he claimed.

The BJP leader alleged that the government wants to cancel 25 lac BPL cards to save Rs 20,000 crore, which can then be utilised to provide grants to MLAs.

Ashoka also pointed out that deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar has already hinted at pruning the Shakti guarantee, which allows free bus travel to women in government buses, while many Congress legislators are against the guarantees, claiming they are being used to fool the people.