LoP R Ashoka accused Congress of attempting to undermine democratic institutions and said the BJP ’s nationwide ‘Save Democracy’ campaign would counter what he termed “anarchy and misinformation”. He also targeted the state govt over the sugarcane crisis and drought relief.
Addressing reporters in Hubballi, Ashoka rejected Congress allegations against electronic voting machines (EVMs), saying the party accepted election outcomes when it won but questioned the system after defeats. Responding to AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge ’s reported demand for dissolving the Lok Sabha and holding fresh elections, Ashoka challenged Congress to first seek a fresh mandate in states where it is in power.
He said Congress had suffered losses in several Assembly elections over the years and argued that its challenges stemmed from internal leadership issues rather than electoral processes. Commenting on the agitation by sugarcane growers, Ashoka said the state govt should not shift the entire responsibility to the Union govt and must address issues within its own jurisdiction. The BJP leader said his party would continue its campaign across the country to safeguard democratic values and raise issues affecting farmers and ordinary citizens.
He alleged that the party was attempting to gain political mileage through protests and accused it of creating unnecessary controversies around constitutional institutions. He urged the govt to focus on resolving farmers’ problems and tackling the drought situation. Ashoka also criticised the Congress-led government over rising prices and alleged inadequate support for farmers. He claimed that strict conditions had been imposed for drought-relief assistance and accused the govt of failing to effectively address agrarian distress.
Hubballi : Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R Ashoka on Saturday said the BJP has launched its ‘Save Democracy’ campaign in phases, alleging that the Congress was attempting to undermine democratic institutions through agitations and political confrontations.