Bengaluru, February 16 – The Karnataka unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party launched a strong attack on the Congress-led state government on Monday, alleging that pending dues of ₹37,000 crore have pushed local contractors, who lack the backing of large companies, to the brink of financial ruin.
Speaking in Bengaluru, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka criticized the ruling Congress, saying, "The silence of the government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has put Karnataka's contractors in a precarious situation. When lakhs of workers and thousands of small and medium contractors are waiting for their hard-earned payments, the government chooses to ignore their plight. The pending payments of ₹37,000 crore are not a minor administrative oversight; they represent a fiscal crisis."
Ashoka asserted that the affected parties are not large, wealthy companies, but rather local contractors, engineers, suppliers, and daily wage workers who have faithfully executed government projects.
"Many have mortgaged their homes, pledged family gold, and taken out high-interest loans to complete public projects. Today, instead of clearing these debts, the government is forcing them to protest," Ashoka said.
"What kind of governance is this? A government that finds funds for publicity, appeasement, and political management, but claims helplessness when it comes to paying those who built our roads, schools, hospitals, and public infrastructure. This is not just financial mismanagement; it is a betrayal," he charged.
Ashoka stated that if the Congress-led government in Karnataka cannot honor its commitments, it has no moral right to govern.
Delayed payments mean stalled projects, job losses, and an economic slowdown across the state. The consequences of this irresponsibility will harm Karnataka's growth and credibility, he said.
"The Chief Minister must immediately break his silence, release the pending ₹37,000 crore, and restore confidence among contractors and workers. Governance is not about speeches and slogans; it is about responsibility. Karnataka deserves accountability, not excuses," Ashoka appealed.
Contractors have vowed to launch protests over the pending dues and have warned that their family members will join the protests to pressure the government to act.
Commenting on recent statements against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh by state Minister Priyank Kharge, Ashoka said, "Minister Priyank Kharge appears to be under the illusion that by verbally abusing and continuously criticizing the RSS, he can please the party high command, secure a position, or gain more power. He seems to have made this a daily habit."
"For four decades, those who have enjoyed power due to the blessings of the people of Kalyana Karnataka, and who have consistently postponed development, will not remain for long. The day is not far when such forces will be driven away. Insulting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is like spitting at the sky – it ultimately falls back on oneself," Ashoka said.
