Bengaluru, June 29

Leader of Opposition R Ashoka asserted that ‘secular’ was not included in the Constitution written by Baba Saheb Ambedkar, upping the ante over the debate  reignited recently by the RSS.

"I identify myself as a Vokkaliga. Everyone identifies with their caste. If so, the term 'secular' has no meaning,” he said, speaking to press. “Let Congress leaders show where the words 'secular' and 'socialist' are in the Constitution written by BR Ambedkar. Rahul Gandhi demands a caste census on one hand and talks about secularism on the other.

BBMP to impose more tax

Ashoka claimed that the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) was financially bankrupt. Clinic staff have not been paid salaries, he noted.

"According to my information, they will impose more taxes on people. If people want to build houses, they have to pay a bribe to the government. They need to give special offerings to the government," he said.

“The high command is not allowing guarantees to be stopped. To save money, funds are being cut from all schemes, including pensions. Many beneficiaries are being disqualified,” he claimed, without providing details.

Meanwhile, the BJP, which recently had problems with factionalism in the State held a meeting, where they reportedly discussed the party strategy and leadership.

However, Ashoka was notably absent at the meeting.

"I was in Delhi at the time,” he explained. “Everyone in BJP must unite. Only then will the party shine. This will take some time," he said.