Davanagere (Karnataka), April 3 (IANS) Senior BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka on Friday launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accusing him of misleading the public on the implementation of the state government’s guarantee schemes and failing to deliver on development.

Addressing the media in Davanagere, Ashoka alleged that Siddaramaiah, after presenting multiple budgets, has “mastered the art of deception” and is falsely claiming fiscal discipline without properly funding development or executing guarantee schemes effectively.

Urging voters to bring about change, Ashoka appealed to the electorate to support the BJP, alleging that the Congress government has failed to meet expectations.

He said the government has not undertaken any significant development work over the past three years and has survived on false narratives.

Mocking the Chief Minister, Ashoka said Siddaramaiah should be given the title “Sullu Ramayya” (one who lies), accusing him of spreading misinformation about guarantees. He also questioned the status of schemes such as the Indira Kit, asking where they have been implemented.

On the Anna Bhagya scheme, Ashoka claimed that rice is being supplied by the Central government while the state government is merely providing distribution bags, accusing Siddaramaiah of taking undue credit. He clarified that the BJP is not opposed to guarantee schemes but is critical of their alleged poor implementation.

He said even if 25 more guarantees are announced, the BJP would not oppose them, provided they are implemented properly.

Ashoka further accused the government of neglecting backward classes, stating that chairpersons for several corporations have not been appointed even after three years, and that funds meant for such bodies have not been released.

He also alleged misuse of funds in corporations, including the Valmiki Corporation.

Highlighting unemployment, he referred to protests by youth in Hubballi and said the government’s promise to fill 56,000 vacancies remains unfulfilled. He alleged that the state lacks funds even for recruitment and would continue making empty promises.

The BJP leader also raised concerns over the state’s financial condition, claiming that revenue and tax collections have declined despite an increase in the budget size.

He accused the government of resorting to borrowing to repay loans and termed the current budget as deficit-driven, in contrast to what he described as surplus budgets during BJP rule.

Ashoka also alleged diversion of funds meant for SC/ST communities and held the Chief Minister responsible. He criticised Siddaramaiah for targeting the BJP while ignoring dissent within the Congress, noting that several party leaders have themselves raised concerns over a lack of development funds.

–IANS

mka/pgh