Daijiworld Media Network - Belagavi
Belagavi, Apr 16: Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, launched a scathing attack on chief minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday, accusing him of attempting to divide the state on religious and caste lines for political survival.
Addressing a gathering at the BJP's Janakrosh rally in Belagavi, Ashoka claimed that the Congress government’s decisions — particularly around the caste census and minority reservation — were aimed at appeasing one community at the cost of others.
“Siddaramaiah is attempting to turn Karnataka into a state of communal polarisation. He’s trying to favour one community under the guise of social justice. This isn’t just a BJP protest — it’s a people’s movement against price hikes, rising taxes, and administrative failure,” Ashoka said.
He alleged that chief minister Siddaramaiah was desperate to hold onto power with internal pressure building within the Congress. “He knows his chair is at risk by November. There is a political power struggle going on. That’s why he is rushing the caste census report — to gain political mileage,” Ashoka remarked.
Ashoka also slammed the government for its tax policies. “Everything from milk to garbage is being taxed now. Even a death certificate comes at a higher cost. This is a government that taxes its people to fill party coffers,” he charged.
Commenting on the National Herald case, Ashoka said, “Congress leaders like Sonia and Rahul Gandhi are being investigated over misappropriation of funds, and the probe is being conducted under court directions. Yet, they cry vendetta.”
He questioned the Congress’s moral right to criticise the BJP over corruption, stating that the publication established by freedom fighters should be protected and restored to its original purpose. “Let the courts decide. Neither the Congress nor the BJP can give anyone a clean chit,” he added.
Ashoka further criticised the functioning of the state’s home ministry. “Crimes are increasing, and the home minister calls it normal. Law and order are slipping away, and the government is looking the other way,” he alleged.
Reiterating his criticism of the caste census, Ashoka said the move is intended to stir divisions and serve political interests. “Siddaramaiah was handed power by Deve Gowda once. When that wasn’t enough, he switched parties. Now D K Shivakumar is eyeing the chief minister’s post. This government is preoccupied with internal politics, not governance,” he said.