Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, June 1: In a scathing critique of the Congress-led Karnataka government, Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly, R Ashoka, on Saturday accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of being a “namesake CM” with little authority over his own cabinet.
Addressing the media, Ashoka questioned whether the chief minister’s directions were being taken seriously by his colleagues. “What does it say when the chief minister’s directives are not followed? Ministers are ignoring his orders to hold monthly Janata Darshan programmes, conduct district tours, and even the basic instruction to attend office at least three days a week,” he stated.
Ashoka further cited the Congress high command’s hesitation to approve a cabinet expansion as evidence of Siddaramaiah’s diminishing clout within the party. “The cabinet isn’t listening to him. Even the high command hasn’t agreed to his proposal. Is this a sign that Siddaramaiah might step down from the CM post soon?” he asked.
He also lashed out at ministers for neglecting governance duties. “They are not even bothered about attending the Vidhana Soudha, let alone governing the state effectively,” he alleged.
Referring to Siddaramaiah’s recent meetings with top bureaucrats, Ashoka claimed the CM was misdirecting his frustration. “By instructing officers to follow his orders, Siddaramaiah is merely venting his anger. First, show your strength to your ministers, not the officers,” he challenged.
The BJP leader went on to blame the Congress administration for what he described as widespread governance failures. “Retired officers are still clinging to positions through outsourced services. Farmers who committed suicide haven't received compensation. Lake and Rajakaluve encroachments remain uncleared. Petitions by the public are being ignored. Complaints against microfinance institutions remain unresolved. This government has failed at every level,” he alleged.
Ashoka’s remarks come amid rising political tension in Karnataka, with the BJP stepping up its campaign to portray the Congress regime as internally divided and lacking administrative effectiveness.