K’taka: BJP-JD(S) to fight for Bidadi township together

Bengaluru, Aug 6 (IANS) The BJP and JD(S) will jointly oppose the Bidadi Township project, which they allege is being pursued for the benefit of the real estate mafia.
Karnataka Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka said a joint struggle will be waged both inside and outside the House.
Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Ashoka said the Congress government has implemented the Bidadi Township project despite opposition from farmers. He announced that the BJP and JD(S) will take out a padayatra against it.
Ashoka stated that he has discussed the matter with Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and talks have been held to fight unitedly. He said the struggle will take place both inside and outside the Legislative Assembly.
A coordination meeting will be held on Saturday to discuss the issue and take a clear stand. Ashoka alleged that the Congress government has fixed commissions for every work, claiming that in building construction a commission of Rs 100 per square foot is being collected.
He said when former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah spoke in the Assembly about KPSC irregularities, he had promised to reduce excess members.
“Now, one scam after another is coming to light. Massive corruption has taken place in the posts of veterinary officers. Congress leaders’ family members themselves have filled these posts. Those who paid Rs 1–2 crore are being given opportunities. Audios have also emerged in this regard,” he alleged.
Ashoka further said Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s new cabinet is a “payment cabinet”.
“Those who committed irregularities have again become ministers. An audio of R.B. Timmapur has come out. A drama of more than 20–30 MLAs resigning and then withdrawing resignations has taken place,” he charged.
He alleged that Congress leader Randeep Surjewala is going door-to-door to MLAs’ houses.
“All MLAs are against this. Those who became ministers by paying money will recover that money from the people themselves. Henceforth, the commission rate will rise from 60 per cent to 80 per cent. Even to knock on the high command’s door, bribes will have to be paid,” he said.
Ashoka said the moment the names of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker appear on the Congress list, their sanctity is destroyed.
“These two constitutional posts must remain non-partisan. Now, taking the resignation of Basavaraj Horatti is an insult to the Constitution,” he said.
He alleged that Congress cannot stand Hinduism and supports those who raise “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans.
“They should not speak about Hindutva, and they have no morality whatsoever. They need not interpret the Hindu religion. If they want to speak about Babasaheb Ambedkar, let them first follow the values of the Constitution,” he said.
–IANS
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