Addressing reporters, Ashok highlighted that while the VCK government in Tamil Nadu opposes the Mekedatu project, the Congress continues to ally with it, describing this as a contradiction. He stated, “The TVK party’s government in Tamil Nadu has decided it will not allow the Mekedatu project to be implemented. The same Congress that stabbed the DMK in the back has now joined hands with TVK. If Congress has the courage, it should withdraw support to TVK. Otherwise, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar should accept that he follows double standards and is two-faced.”

Ashok further asserted that the Mekedatu project will not proceed as long as the Congress remains in power, dismissing the party’s previous padayatra on the issue as “only for votes.”

He also accused the Karnataka Congress government of financial mismanagement, citing reductions in ration card allocations and fewer beneficiaries under guarantee schemes. “There is large-scale bogus enrolment in the free electricity scheme. A conspiracy has been hatched to remove around 20 lakh beneficiaries,” he alleged.

Ashok claimed that the state carries a debt burden of Rs 1.20 lakh crore and is unable to even pay the interest, stating, “Salaries to employees are not being paid. Pensions have not been disbursed for the past four months. Not paying pensions means the government has become bankrupt.”

He issued a warning about an impending drought due to insufficient rainfall, saying that fodder for cattle would soon run out. He criticised the government for permitting land layouts on areas designated for fodder production during such a shortage, saying, “It is not clear what plan they have to tackle the shortage of food grains.”

Taking a swipe at the Chief Minister, Ashok remarked, “Siddaramaiah knew administration, but Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar only knows politics and knows nothing about administration.”

Regarding recent cross-voting in the BJP during the MLC elections, Ashok said that extensive information has surfaced and a committee has been formed to investigate. “The truth will come out. Action will be taken against those who stabbed the party in the back,” he stated.

He explained that identifying the cross-voters will require time and alleged that some members had accepted money to vote against the party’s interests. “Crores of rupees and the issue of grants will come to light. Information is being collected on who was where during voting and with whom they spoke,” he said.

Ashok added that central party leaders have been informed and have asked the state leadership to present a report next week. “We discussed this with Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, and he too is upset. We will give a proper answer. We are not saying it was done by the BJP or JD(S). We will find out who cheated. We will ensure that those who indulged in cross-voting do not become legislators again,” he concluded.