Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has come under sharp criticism from the opposition BJP after Leader of Opposition R Ashoka alleged that he has not been allotted an official government residence even after serving nearly three years in the constitutional post. The issue has now snowballed into a major political controversy, with BJP leaders accusing the ruling Indian National Congress government of displaying arrogance, political vendetta, and complete disregard for democratic traditions.
Ashoka has once again written to the Chief Secretary of Karnataka demanding immediate allotment of a government bungalow, stating that repeated requests made over the past several months have gone unanswered. He has sought allotment of one among three official residences — No.1 Kumarakrupa East, No.1 Race View Cottage, or No.2 Race View Cottage on Race Course Road in Bengaluru.
Expressing deep frustration over the government’s inaction, Ashoka warned that he would stop accepting house rent allowance from April onwards if the state continues to deny him an official residence. BJP leaders described this as a symbolic protest against what they termed the “insensitive and vindictive attitude” of the Congress government.
The issue reportedly came up during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at Vidhana Soudha regarding the appointment of the chairperson of the State Human Rights Commission. During the meeting itself, Ashoka is said to have openly questioned the Chief Minister over the delay and condemned the manner in which the government was treating the Leader of Opposition.
According to BJP leaders, denying official accommodation to the Leader of Opposition is not merely an administrative lapse but an insult to democratic institutions and constitutional norms. They pointed out that in a parliamentary democracy, the Opposition plays an equally important role in holding the government accountable, and therefore the post deserves dignity, recognition, and proper facilities.
“Three years have passed since the Congress government came to power, but it has still failed to provide an official residence to the Opposition leader. This clearly reflects the mindset of the ruling party. The government appears more interested in political revenge than in respecting democratic conventions,” BJP leaders said.
Party insiders also noted that official accommodation is routinely allotted to Leaders of Opposition as part of established protocol. During previous governments, such matters were handled promptly without political discrimination. BJP leaders recalled that when the party was in power, leaders from opposition parties were provided official residences without unnecessary delay or controversy.
The controversy has further intensified because the bungalow on Kumarakrupa Road, considered one of the most prestigious government residences in Bengaluru’s political circles, is currently occupied by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. BJP leaders alleged that the Congress government was deliberately avoiding allotment of suitable accommodation to Ashoka despite several vacant or alternative government residences being available.
Sources close to Ashoka said he has written at least five to six letters to both the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary and has personally met senior officials multiple times. However, no concrete action has been taken so far. BJP leaders termed the government’s silence “deliberate humiliation” and accused it of attempting to politically sideline the Opposition.
The party also alleged that the Congress government has increasingly shown intolerance towards criticism and opposition voices over the last three years. According to BJP leaders, the delay in allotting an official residence is another example of the government’s “irresponsible governance” and “administrative apathy.”
“Instead of focusing on governance and respecting institutions, the Congress government is indulging in petty politics. This is not about one individual or one bungalow. This is about protecting democratic values and respecting constitutional positions,” BJP leaders stated.
Political observers believe the controversy could further deepen tensions between the ruling Congress and the BJP at a time when Karnataka politics is already witnessing heightened friction over cabinet reshuffle demands, internal Congress factionalism, and governance-related criticism.
Meanwhile, Ashoka continues to stay at his private residence in Jayanagar due to the absence of official accommodation. With only two years remaining in the current government’s tenure, the issue has now become symbolic of the growing confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties in Karnataka.
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