From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Aug 14: Lashing out at the Congress government for its mismanagement, BJP opposition leader R Ashoka on Wednesday alleged that the ruling party implemented its pre-poll guarantees without ensuring guarantee of the availability of necessary funds.
Speaking to media persons in Bengaluru, he warned that the Congress legislators will be forced to attack the government for its failures.
Ashoka said BESCOM, KSRTC and other state transport undertakings were in the red due to their inability to meet the expenditure on the guarantees and said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is handling the Finance Department, must wake up and take necessary corrective measures.
The funds allocated for the development of Bengaluru are being taken back and various infrastructure works are facing financial crunch, he said accusing the government of diverting funds meant for various developmental works for funding the guarantees.
He claimed that BJP government had allocated Rs 8 to 9 thousand crore, excluding the funds for BBMP. But Congress government is making them starve for funds, he said.
The BJP leader claimed that the Mysuru Chalo padayatra organised by BJP-JDS has achieved tremendous success.
Ashoka said the success of the padayatra has rattled the Congress government forcing several leaders to level charges against the previous BJP government.
Asked about the dissidence within BJP, Ashok said he will take up the issue with the party’s Central leaders. He, however, said the party high command is aware of the situation and will take necessary steps in due course.
The BJP leader said he would participate in the Ballari padayatra planned by some leaders if it is approved by the party high command.
“There are some minor differences. The Central leaders have already discussed with party leaders like Basavaraj Patil Yatnal, Ramesh Jarakiholi and others. The differences will be ironed out soon and we will go together,” he said asserting that the party is more important than individuals.
To a question on BJP leader and MLC C P Yogeshwar’s statement of contesting as an independent in the forthcoming by-election from the Channapatna assembly constituency, which is vacant following the election of JDS leader H D Kumaraswamy, as he had represented it in the past, Ashoka said BJP leaders have visited Yogeshwar’s residence and have discussed with him.
“It is the NDA which has to take a decision on the selection of the party candidate,” he said making it clear that rebellion within the party ranks ahead of the by-election will send a wrong message to the people and party workers.
“All of us have to work unitedly for the success of the NDA candidate comprising BJP and JDS in the State,” he added.