Congress MLA hits out at BJP leaders over alleged scams during previous govt

Bengaluru: Congress MLA Pradeep Eshwar on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on BJP leaders G. Janardhana Reddy and B. Sriramulu, accusing them of being responsible for the alleged looting of Karnataka during the previous BJP regime.

Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha, Eshwar said sarcastically, “Janardhana Reddy is the president and Sriramulu the vice-president of the Karnataka International Thieves’ Association.” He alleged that several scams and irregularities took place during the BJP’s tenure and demanded that its leaders respond to the allegations.

Pradeep Eshwar referred to a series of controversies, including the alleged COVID-related irregularities, Bovi Corporation issue, NEET-related allegations, Devaraja Urs Truck Terminal matter, KIOCL/Kionics-related allegations, the PSI recruitment scam, Parashuram Theme Park issue, Bitcoin case and alleged irregularities involving the KKRDA.

He named several former BJP leaders, including B.S. Yediyurappa, Basavaraj Bommai, B. Sriramulu, Shashikala Jolle, Kota Srinivas Poojary, K. Sudhakar, Janardhana Reddy and R. Ashoka, and challenged them to respond to the allegations.“We do not need to take lessons from those whom we accuse of looting the State,” Eshwar said. Highlighting the Congress government’s welfare and development programmes, he said the government was providing ₹2,000 a month to women under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme and claimed that ₹57,000 crore was being spent on development works.

He also criticised the BJP over its comments on drought and accused its leaders of failing to raise the issue effectively.

Eshwar also objected to former minister B. Sriramulu’s remarks against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. “Sriramulu referred to my leader Rahul Gandhi disrespectfully. If you continue to speak about Rahul Gandhi in such a manner, I will be forced to ask who you are. He should control his language and speak responsibly,” Eshwar said. The Congress MLA’s remarks come amid an escalating war of words between the ruling Congress and the Opposition BJP in Karnataka.