Bengaluru: Feb 21: Opposition leader R. Ashok sharply criticized the state government’s handling of Bengaluru’s development, calling the progress over the past two years a “big zero.” Speaking at the BJP state office, Ashok pointed to several key issues plaguing the city, including poor road conditions with numerous potholes, increasing accidents, and an escalating garbage problem. IT tycoon Mohandas Pai also expressed concerns about the rising number of accidents, where common citizens were falling on the streets and requiring hospital treatment.
Ashok lamented that the promises made by the government when it came to power, such as transforming Bengaluru into a world-class city and branding it like the peak of the Himalayas, have gone unfulfilled. He mocked the government’s failure to deliver, stating that even with efforts to divide Bengaluru into smaller parts to create “Greater Bengaluru,” the city’s condition remained dire, and such efforts would be futile.
He also voiced strong opposition to the idea of dividing the city, calling it an insult to the legacy of Kempegowda, the founder of Bengaluru. Ashok argued that the move would hurt the 90 percent of people who still place their trust in Kempegowda’s vision for the city. He emphasized that Bengaluru, as it was originally envisioned, should remain united.
Further criticizing the Congress-led state government, Ashok claimed that Bengaluru had been “orphaned” under their administration. He blamed the government for failing to prioritize the city’s development and security, accusing it of being controlled by the mafia and dons. Ashok promised that the BJP would push for early elections to ensure that Bengaluru’s development is prioritized, and he vowed to form a 15-member team to argue for this in court. His remarks painted a bleak picture of the city’s governance under the current leadership, urging for urgent reforms and local-body elections.
