Karnataka Opposition Leader Alleges Widespread Corruption Under Congress Government
In a significant political development, Karnataka opposition leader R Ashoka has leveled serious allegations of widespread corruption against the Congress-led state government. Speaking on Monday, Ashoka cited a recent Lokayukta report to bolster his claims, stating that the document reveals a troubling pattern of alleged irregularities within the administration.
Lokayukta Report Details 195 Cases Against Senior Officials
According to Ashoka, the Karnataka Lokayukta registered a total of 195 cases against senior government officials between September 2022 and February 2026. "This staggering number of cases is a clear reflection of the functioning of the government and shows the scale of alleged irregularities," Ashoka declared in an official statement.
The opposition leader provided specific breakdowns from the report:
- 104 cases relate to raids linked to disproportionate assets
- 91 cases involve officials caught red-handed while accepting bribes
- Investigations remain at preliminary stages in 89 cases
Among those facing corruption charges are one IAS officer, one IPS officer, and twelve Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS) officials. The report clarifies that no official has been convicted or cleared of charges at this stage, indicating ongoing investigations.
Unpaid Sugarcane Dues Compound Farmer Distress
Ashoka extended his criticism beyond corruption allegations to address agricultural concerns, particularly highlighting unpaid sugarcane dues. He revealed that sugar factories are legally required to clear payments to farmers within 15 days of procurement, but significant arrears persist.
"In Belagavi district alone, approximately Rs 1,554 crore remains unpaid even after the conclusion of the 2025-26 sugar season," Ashoka stated. He directly challenged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, asking, "If you spend your time only securing your chair, who will respond to the hardship of farmers?"
Alleged Failure in Ayushman Bharat Implementation
The opposition leader further criticized the state government's implementation of the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. Ashoka noted that while the Union government expanded the scheme in 2024 to cover all citizens above 70 years of age, the Congress administration in Karnataka has allegedly failed to implement it effectively.
"Senior citizens are reportedly unable to access medical treatment even though they possess the Ayushman Vayo Vandana card, which assures health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh," Ashoka claimed. This alleged failure represents another dimension of his broader critique of the government's performance across multiple sectors.
The allegations come at a politically sensitive time and are likely to intensify debates about governance and accountability in Karnataka. The Congress government has yet to issue an official response to these specific claims, but political observers anticipate a robust defense as these allegations touch on fundamental issues of administration and public welfare.
