Congress is running a Taliban-like government: LoP R Ashok

Mangaluru: Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, R Ashoka, has attacked the Congress government in Karnataka likening it to a "Taliban-like" regime.

Ashoka made these remarks after meeting the BJP supporters attacked in Boliyar near Mangaluru on Sunday night allegedly for shouting slogans during celebrations following the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Addressing the media in Mangaluru on Wednesday, Ashoka vowed to challenge the current state government, stating, "We will challenge this Taliban state government. The BJP will teach them a lesson. This will be discussed during the BJP meeting on June 13 at the party office in Bengaluru. The issue would be raised in the next legislative session," he added.

He alleged the rise in rowdy elements since the Congress took power and claimed cases were being registered against BJP workers, including the Belthangady Yuva Morcha president and workers in Ullal for bursting crackers.

Ashoka referred to CCTV footage from a mosque, claiming that BJP workers only shouted "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and questioned why cases were filed against the youths.

He contested the police commissioner's statement that BJP workers used provocative words and demanded the release of the footage for clarity.

Criticizing the Health Minister and the Speaker for not visiting the injured, despite being in the same hospital to attend a program, Ashoka alleged that cases were registered against five innocent people under external pressure.

He called for the government to cover the hospital expenses of the injured.

"The party will always stand by the workers. There is no need to panic. The party will also provide necessary help to the injured," Ashoka reassured.

Mocking the current state of governance, Ashoka questioned the identity of the Home Minister. "Is it Siddaramaiah, DK Shivakumar or all BJP MLAs," he asked.