Karnataka opposition leader R Ashoka condemns state’s sanitation failures and drought neglect

Bengaluru opposition leader R. Ashoka accused the Karnataka government of neglecting basic civic amenities, noting that the city has only one public toilet for every 30,000 residents and that 58% of existing facilities are unusable, lacking water, electricity and accessibility for women and persons with disabilities. He said, “The state government continues to speak about creating ‘Brand Bengaluru,’ but the reality on the ground tells a different story.”

Ashoka also highlighted a severe drought affecting farmers across the state, claiming that over 80% of agricultural activity has stopped and that farmers lack fodder for livestock. He urged the government to declare a drought, release compensation of Rs 50,000 per acre, and expedite funds from the State Disaster Response Fund, stating, “They must provide Rs 50,000 compensation per acre.”