State government has brought guarantee schemes by fooling the people: R. Ashoka
Bengaluru: Karnataka Opposition leader R. Ashoka has sharply criticised the Congress-led state government for introducing guarantee schemes without securing adequate resources. Speaking to reporters, Ashoka accused the government of deceiving the public by implementing these schemes without ensuring the financial stability to support them.
Ashoka pointed out that regardless of the ruling party, the state government must resort to borrowing, but introducing such schemes without a resource guarantee is irresponsible. He claimed that the government is struggling to manage its finances, citing losses in the Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company Ltd (BESCOM) and other departments. He warned that even Congress MLAs might defy their own government if the situation worsens, urging the leadership to address the issues before it’s too late.
Further criticising the current administration, Ashoka noted that funds previously earmarked by the BJP government for critical development projects in Bengaluru, including flood control, footpaths, flyovers, and Rajkaluves, have been diverted to finance the guarantee schemes. He claimed that this has left the city’s development in jeopardy, with the government now on the brink of bankruptcy.
Ashoka also took aim at the Congress government's approach to healthcare, contrasting it with the Central Government's Jan Aushadhi Yojana, which provides affordable medicines. He alleged that the Congress ministers are influenced by lobbies and are prioritizing schemes that would yield them commissions, betraying public trust.
The opposition leader's comments followed a march organized by the BJP against the Congress government, which he said resulted in fearful reactions from Congress leaders. He added that several complaints related to the government's alleged scams have been filed at the Raj Bhavan.
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Army rescues 135 tourists from landslides-hit North Sikkim, many still stranded
Gangtok (PTI): A total of 135 stranded tourists have been rescued by the Army from North Sikkim, where multiple landslides have snapped road connectivity, officials said on Thursday.
Around 1,000 tourists remain stranded in Lachen, with sustained efforts underway to ensure their rescue at the earliest, they said.
The rescue operation is being carried out by the Trishakti Corps under the Eastern Command amid heavy snowfall, they added.
Critical passes have been opened and alternate routes activated to facilitate the rescue mission, named 'Operation Him Setu', officials said.
A total of 32 light vehicles and 10 motorcycles have been moved out so far, with Army vehicles deployed to tow civilian vehicles across steep, snowbound stretches, they said.
Medical emergencies and those requiring immediate assistance are being prioritised, officials said.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working in close coordination with the Army, undertaking continuous road clearance, snow removal and restoration of connectivity despite challenging terrain and weather, they said.
"Our foremost priority is the safety and well-being of every citizen. Our teams remain committed to providing all necessary assistance on the ground," an Army official said.
Multiple landslides have disrupted road connectivity between Lachen and Chungthang, an area close to the India-China border.
