Bengaluru, 2 September

As the Opposition’s 185km ‘Ballari Chalo’ march from Raichur to Ballari entered its second day on Wednesday, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly R Ashoka lent his support with a press conference demanding the resignations of Ministers UT Khader and Eshwar Khandre. 

Ashoka referenced a letter by Puttur MLA Ashok Rai, who alleged that KRDIL officials were demanding a “7 per cent cut” from contractors before discharging their duties. 

"The Congress government in Karnataka is a goonda and rowdy government,” Ashoka said.  They do nothing but 'hafta wasuli' (weekly collection). There is only Rs 30 for work out of Rs 100, because Rs 70 goes as commission to ministers and officers. UT Khader and Eshwara Khandre are involved in this."

Ashoka said that the “first wicket had fallen” with B Nagendra’s resignation over his alleged role in the Valmiki scam, and now “other ministers will go too”. 

He alleged that the 7 per cent cut was going directly to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. 

Further, Ashoka slammed Chief Minister DK Shivakumar over the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which allows five per cent of the park land to be used for public utility projects.

Although Shivakumar said that the Amendment will be tabled in the Assembly again, Ashoka argued that the Chief Minister “didn't say that the Bill will be withdrawn; he said it will be discussed again. A Supreme Court order clearly says not even one per cent (of park land) can be used. Then why is Shivakumar giving park to (industrialist Gautam) Adani for real estate work? He wants to give parking near the tunnel road."

Meanwhile, the BJP State President BY Vijayendra continued to lead the Ballari padayatra along with MLAs, MLA and other party leaders.