Bengaluru: Just as the ruling Congress government in Karnataka celebrated two years in office with a grand “Sadhana Samavesha” in Hosapete in Bellary district on May 20, the opposition BJP launched a scathing counter-campaign titled “Karnataka Loot – Congress Duty”, accusing the Siddaramaiah-led government of rampant corruption, administrative apathy, and failure on all fronts.
BJP State President BY Vijayendra released the poster in a press conference, branding the Congress’ so-called celebration as hollow and misleading. “What are they celebrating? Corruption, inflation, and the murder of Hindu activists? Is this the achievement the Congress government is so proud of?” he questioned. Vijayendra emphasised that far from development, the state has witnessed deterioration across all sectors since Congress assumed power.
The BJP alleged that while the government talks about transforming Bengaluru into a ‘Greater Bengaluru,’ in reality, it has turned it into a ‘Water Bengaluru’—a reference to the city’s repeated flooding and infrastructure failures. “This is a government of ads and wasteful expenditure. Their celebration is just a PR stunt to cover up their non-performance,” he said.
Empty Promises, No Delivery
Despite promises of reforms and development, the BJP pointed out that in the last two years:
- No new schemes have been introduced for farmers.
- There have been no meaningful development plans announced for women.
- Youth employment remains unaddressed.
- Infrastructure projects across departments have stalled.
- Even Congress MLAs have reportedly complained that no funds are being allocated for their constituencies.
- Basic facilities in schools and hospitals are lacking.
- No new irrigation projects have been initiated.
- First-time MLAs can’t even get a classroom built in their constituencies
BJP leaders alleged that ministers in the Congress cabinet are disengaged and demoralized. “There is no enthusiasm among ministers. Their faces reflect the fear of losing power soon,” said former minister V. Sunil Kumar. He mockingly added that Congress is being haunted by the “ghost of failure” even as it tries to stage grand celebrations.
Mismanagement and Irresponsibility
BJP State Spokesperson Dr CN Ashwath Narayan accused the government of ignoring critical warnings. “Despite receiving weather alerts a week in advance, the government took no precautionary measures against the recent torrential rains that crippled Bengaluru. Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar must take responsibility for the mess. Two years have passed with zero results for his much-touted ‘Brand Bengaluru’,” he remarked.
He further added, “While the government was busy preparing speeches and stage shows for the Sadhana Samavesha, nature exposed the reality of their so-called development. The trailer was seen in flooded streets—soon the full picture will be revealed.”
District BJP leaders like S. Harish and spokesperson Prakash Shesharaghavachar, present during the launch, echoed similar sentiments and said the Congress government has lost touch with the people.
BJP also raised concerns about internal instability within Congress. Sunil Kumar claimed that an intense internal power struggle is underway over “who will own the black beads of misrule,” predicting that the Sadhana Samavesha in Hosapete could be the last mass event for this government.
In a taunt aimed at party leadership, BJP challenged, “If there is no internal dissent within Congress, let Rahul Gandhi publicly declare that Siddaramaiah will continue as CM for a full five-year term. We dare them.”
