Karkala: The Karkala unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a protest in front of the Karkala Taluk Office on Monday, October 5, accusing the Congress-led state government of pursuing policies that have caused difficulties for people.
The protest was led by Karkala MLA and former minister V. Sunil Kumar, with hundreds of BJP workers and leaders participating. The protesters raised slogans against the state government and highlighted issues concerning welfare schemes, pensions, ration cards and road infrastructure.
The BJP had announced the protest over what it described as administrative failures and problems faced by poor families, farmers and other sections of the public.
BJP calls government ‘zero-balance government’
During the protest, BJP leaders accused the Congress government of failing to provide adequate funds for essential public services.
The protesters particularly raised concerns over the availability of funds for ration cards, social security pensions and maintenance of rural roads. They alleged that the government was not responding adequately to the difficulties faced by beneficiaries and residents.
BJP leaders described the state government as a “zero-balance government”, alleging that development and welfare activities had been affected by inadequate funding.
The party had also cited issues relating to the cancellation of BPL ration cards, difficulties in applying for new cards, social security pensions and applications under 94C and Bagair Hukum regularisation schemes among the reasons for the protest.
Concerns over roads and basic infrastructure
Road maintenance and rural infrastructure were among the other issues highlighted by the BJP.
The party alleged that inadequate funding was affecting the maintenance and development of roads in rural areas. BJP leaders also raised concerns over difficulties faced by residents in accessing various government services and obtaining approvals and documentation.
According to the BJP, these issues have created difficulties for residents, particularly those from rural areas and economically weaker sections.
BJP leaders participate
The protest saw the participation of several BJP leaders from Udupi district.
MLAs Suresh Shetty Gurme, Yashpal Suvarna, Gururaj Gantihole and Kiran Kodgi, along with Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary, were among those present.
The protest was organised as part of the BJP’s campaign against what the party describes as the state government’s anti-people policies. The Congress has rejected such allegations and has defended its governance and programmes.
The BJP has said it will continue to raise issues concerning beneficiaries, farmers, infrastructure and public services through protests and other political programmes.