Daijiworld Media Network – Kaup (TP)

Kaup, Dec 29: Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, R Ashoka, on Friday lashed out at the Congress-led government, claiming that the state has become a hub for the drug mafia. He alleged that what should have been New Year celebrations has instead turned into a “drug fest” in Karnataka, highlighting the government’s alleged failure to control the menace.

Speaking at a press conference, Ashoka referred to major drug raids in Bengaluru conducted by the Maharashtra police, criticising the state administration’s inaction. “Maharashtra police are conducting raids in Bengaluru and have seized drugs worth crores of rupees. Why didn’t our police know about this? Is there any bigger humiliation than this?” he asked.

He said Maharashtra police had conducted two major operations in the state. “This government should be ashamed. Do they have any dignity? Has Karnataka’s intelligence system collapsed? You claim the operation was conducted with the help of Karnataka police, then why were you unaware of this mafia earlier?” he questioned, describing the Home Minister as lacking common sense and the administration as irresponsible.

Ashoka alleged that jails in Mangaluru and Bengaluru are filled with drug peddlers and have turned into “five-star facilities.” “Drugs, opium and whisky are freely available. Jails have become wine factories and extortion centres. Every day, a constable earns up to Rs 1 lakh. Biryani, oil and drugs are supplied inside prisons,” he claimed.

He further alleged that drugs worth Rs 500–600 crore have entered Karnataka, with police personnel involved in their distribution. “Within two days, everything will be disposed of. Police themselves are acting like thieves. This government has neither the courage nor the strength to control the situation,” he said.

Ashoka also criticised the state leadership, saying the home minister was “missing” and the chief minister preoccupied with internal power struggles. “It feels like they are just waiting for retirement. This is a government run on superstition and power-sharing conflicts,” he remarked, while also taking a dig at the Congress high command and Rahul Gandhi.

Warning that the situation could invite intervention from neighbouring states, Ashoka said police from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana may be forced to operate in Karnataka. “Other states are ruling us. Police from outside the state are protecting your law and order system,” he said.

Referring to the Kogilu Layout operation, Ashoka questioned who was actually ruling Karnataka. “Is Karnataka being ruled by K C Venugopal or by the Kerala government?” he asked, criticising Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s tweet and the visit of a Kerala legislators’ delegation to Bengaluru. He said Kerala had no authority to comment on Karnataka’s internal affairs.

He accused the government of double standards in dealing with encroachments and illegal immigrants. “On one hand, the Chief Minister speaks about action against illegal immigrants, and on the other, talks about their rehabilitation. Government land and rajakaluves must be protected. Why are different rules being applied to different communities?” he questioned.

On political developments, Ashoka said the BJP–JD(S) alliance under the NDA remains strong. “We are NDA partners. There are no differences between us. Coordination with JD(S) will continue in future elections. The final decision will be taken by the NDA coordination committee,” he said, adding that the alliance would secure a majority similar to the Telangana and Bihar models.

Clarifying BJP state leadership, Ashoka said BJP state president B Y Vijayendra was appointed by the central leadership after consulting all stakeholders. “Whether he should continue or not will be decided by the national president after January. There is no confusion. Differences of opinion are natural in a democratic party, but the central leadership’s decision is final,” he added.

The press conference was attended by MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty, former MLA Lalaji R Mendon, Udupi district BJP president Naveen Shetty Kutyaru, Udupi district BJP general secretary Reshma Uday Shetty, secretary Shrikanth Naik, media coordinator Srinidhi Hegde, and others.