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.
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Rape accused's mother murdered by victim's brother in MP's Shivpuri
Shivpuri (PTI): The 60-year-old mother of a rape accused was killed allegedly by the victim's brother in Madhya Pradesh's Shivpuri district, a police official said on Saturday.
The incident took place on Friday, Rannod police station house officer (SHO) Arvind Chauhan said.
"An anganwadi worker returning from a hospital was offered a lift by one Inder Gurjar, who took her to a secluded spot and raped her. She called up her brothers to narrate the ordeal. One brother of the victim along with two associates went to Gurjar's house and assaulted him. When Gurjar's mother Sirkunwarbai (60) intervened, she was attacked with a sharp weapon. She died on the spot," he said.
Based on a complaint filed by the deceased woman's daughter-in-law, three persons were booked for murder. One of them was held on Saturday, the official added.
A separate case has also been registered against Gurjar for rape, he said.
Police personnel have been deployed in the area in view of tension following the incident, the official added.
