State Opposition Leader R Ashoka has called for immediate relief efforts for victims of recent natural disasters that have severely impacted various parts of the state. During his visit to flood-affected areas in Bantwal, Ashoka, accompanied by MLAs and officials, addressed a press conference at the Bantwal Inspection Bungalow.
Ashoka criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for prioritizing trips to Delhi over addressing the flood damage. He urged the Chief Minister to return to the state and address the people’s concerns. Ashoka recalled his tenure as Revenue Minister, during which both state and central governments provided equal funding for relief efforts, contrasting it with the current government’s alleged inadequacies.
He expressed disappointment that it has been 15 days since the in-charge minister of Dakshina Kannada visited Mangaluru, despite directives from their high command. Ashoka also criticized the government’s recent allocation of 1.25 lakh rupees for relief, deeming it insufficient compared to previous amounts.
He proposed the formation of task force committees led by MLAs in each constituency, with a proposed fund of five crore rupees per committee. Ashoka emphasized the need for effective disaster management and vowed that the BJP would conduct a state-wide study of the disaster’s impact.
Addressing concerns about the BJP’s planned padayatra, Ashoka mentioned discussions with central leaders and JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy regarding its timing. He also spoke on internal Congress dissent and criticized their handling of flood relief.