LoP Ashoka accuses Karnataka govt of 'betrayal' over unpaid contractor bills
Bengaluru (PTI): Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka on Sunday hit out at the Karnataka government, alleging "fiscal collapse" due to non-payment of more than Rs 37,000 crore in pending bills to public works contractors in the state.
His remarks come as the Karnataka State Contractors Association prepares for a major protest at the Freedom park here on March 5, demanding the release of over Rs 37,000 crore in pending bills.
The BJP leader alleged that while the Congress-led government claims helplessness regarding contractor payments, it finds funds for publicity, appeasement and political management.
Taking to X, Ashoka said, “The silence of the CM Siddaramaiah government has pushed Karnataka’s contractors to the brink. When lakhs of workers and thousands of small and medium contractors are waiting for their hard-earned dues, the government chooses apathy over accountability. Rs 37,000 crore in pending payments is not a minor administrative lapse, it is a fiscal collapse.”
He noted that those affected are not just big and rich companies, but local contractors, engineers, suppliers and daily wage workers, who executed government works in good faith.
According to him, many have mortgaged homes, pledged family gold, and borrowed at high interest rates to complete public projects. Today, instead of clearing dues, this government is forcing them to protest on the streets.
“A government that finds funds for publicity, appeasement and political management, but claims helplessness when it comes to paying those who built our roads, schools, hospitals and public infrastructure. This is more than just financial mismanagement, this is betrayal,” he alleged.
If the Karnataka Congress government cannot honour its commitments, it has no moral right to govern, he added.
Warning of long-term economic damage to Karnataka, Ashoka said, "Delayed payments mean stalled projects, job losses and economic slowdown across the state. The ripple effect of this irresponsibility will hurt Karnataka’s growth and credibility.”
The LoP called on the Chief Minister to break his silence, release the pending Rs 37,000 crore, and restore confidence among contractors and workers.
“Governance is not about speeches and slogans, it is about responsibility. Karnataka deserves accountability, not excuses,” he said, as he accused the ruling Congress of failing Karnataka.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Min. Priyank Kharge to expresses concern over implementation of VB-G Ram G
Bengaluru: Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Priyank Kharge has expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the proposed VB-G Ram G scheme, stating that the MNREGA programme, which has been a lifeline for rural India for nearly two decades, appears to be facing an uncertain future.
Speaking to media, Kharge said that as March 31 draws to a close, there is no clarity on the rollout of the new scheme from April 1. He pointed out that the central government has not yet issued the necessary guidelines for implementing the scheme for rural workers and villages.
He criticised the Centre for its lack of preparedness, stating that there is no clarity on fund allocation, no final parameters for classifying gram panchayats, and key processes such as social audits have not been defined.
Kharge said the situation comes at a critical time, as summer marks a peak period for rural employment demand, when many people depend heavily on wage employment for their livelihood.
He added that reports have emerged of delays in approvals and families not receiving work despite demand.
He further alleged that the Centre’s move to shift from a statutory employment guarantee to a rule-based allocation system is already showing negative consequences.
Kharge also raised concerns over provisions such as a mandatory 60-day halt during agricultural seasons, which he said would further limit employment opportunities for rural workers.
The BJP-led central government had claimed that the new scheme would transform rural India, but in reality it is turning out to be detrimental to people’s livelihoods, he said.
“The crisis in rural India due to the stalling of MNREGA is beginning to unfold. Given the Centre’s past record in handling such situations, there is growing concern over the impact on rural livelihoods,” Kharge said.
