Bengaluru, February 15 Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, on Sunday, criticised the Karnataka government, alleging a "fiscal crisis" due to the failure to pay over ₹37,000 crore in outstanding bills to contractors in the state.
His remarks come as the Karnataka State Contractors Association is preparing for a major protest at Freedom Park here on March 5, demanding the release of the ₹37,000 crore in outstanding bills.
The BJP leader alleged that while the Congress-led government claims helplessness regarding contractor payments, it finds funds for publicity, appeasement, and political management.
Speaking on X, Ashoka said, "The silence of the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah government has pushed Karnataka's contractors to the brink. When lakhs of workers and thousands of small and medium contractors are waiting for their hard-earned dues, the government chooses apathy over accountability. The ₹37,000 crore in outstanding payments is not a minor administrative lapse; it is a fiscal crisis."
He noted that those affected are not just large and wealthy companies, but also local contractors, engineers, suppliers, and daily wage workers who executed government projects in good faith.
According to him, many have mortgaged their homes, pledged family gold, and borrowed at high interest rates to complete public projects. Today, instead of clearing dues, this government is forcing them to protest on the streets.
"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 more than just financial mismanagement; it is betrayal," he alleged.
If the Karnataka Congress government cannot honour its commitments, it has no moral right to govern, he added.
Warning of long-term economic damage to Karnataka, Ashoka said, "Delayed payments mean stalled projects, job losses, and an economic slowdown across the state. The ripple effect of this irresponsibility will hurt Karnataka's growth and credibility."
The LoP called on the Chief Minister to break his silence, release the ₹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," he said, as he accused the ruling Congress of failing Karnataka.