R Ashoka Slams Karnataka Government Over Guarantee Committees, Says Bengaluru Is Turning Into a Garbage City

Bengaluru: Karnataka Assembly Opposition Leader and senior BJP leader R Ashoka on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Congress government, alleging that the formation of “Guarantee Enforcement Committees” at the gram panchayat level is a misuse of taxpayers’ money.

Ashoka claimed that the committees are being created to accommodate dissatisfied party leaders and workers by providing them positions at public expense. He questioned whether the committees were intended to serve the people or simply function as a mechanism to reward Congress supporters using government funds.

Referring to recent controversies surrounding the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, Ashoka alleged that financial assistance had been transferred to the accounts of deceased beneficiaries. He argued that while such irregularities continue, development work across the state has come to a standstill due to a shortage of funds.

According to the BJP leader, government school students are still waiting for textbooks and uniforms, while many schools lack funds to repair damaged classrooms. He also claimed that the supply of eggs under student nutrition programmes has been affected and that ragi farmers are struggling to receive their pending support payments.

Ashoka demanded the immediate dissolution of the Guarantee Enforcement Committees and called for the recovery of salaries and benefits already paid to their members.

The opposition leader also targeted Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, sarcastically referring to him as a “Reels Minister.” He alleged that the minister was focused on social media publicity while residents continued to face serious civic problems.

Highlighting concerns in HSR Layout, Ashoka claimed that contaminated Cauvery drinking water had affected more than 60 families, with several children reportedly requiring hospital treatment. Citing water testing reports, he alleged that dangerous bacteria had been detected in the supply and accused the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board of failing to respond adequately to complaints made since June 6.

He further alleged that nearly 1,775 tonnes of waste generated daily in Bengaluru is not being properly processed, leading to growing garbage accumulation across the city. Questioning the government’s vision for the state capital, Ashoka asked whether the much publicized “Brand Bengaluru” initiative was meant to leave residents dealing with polluted water and mounting garbage problems.