Bengaluru, 23 September

BJP leaders on Wednesday protested with ‘Khali Chombus' at Vidhana Soudha premises, accusing the Congress government of "pushing" Karnataka into a financial crisis. Leader of Opposition in the Assembly R Ashoka demanded Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s resignation. 

The demonstration comes after the Finance Department cautioned Shivakumar against taking up major expenditure projects at this stage, while examining a proposal for the Chief Minister's Rural Road Connectivity Scheme, estimated to cost Rs 10,000 crore, citing limited fiscal space and the need for a "realistic and prudent" approach to funding. It said starting a major project for which funds had neither been budgeted nor earmarked could create cash-flow challenges.

The protest was led by BJP State President BY Vijayendra, Ashoka and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy with ‘Khali Chombu' (an empty container) in their hands near the Kengal Hanumanthaiah statue at the Vidhana Soudha here. Several MLAs and MLCs also participated in the protest.

“You (Shivakumar) are not capable of handling the Finance Department. Therefore, you are not fit to continue as Chief Minister. Resign immediately,” Ashoka demanded. “DK is bankrupt! The Finance Department itself has released documents showing that the Congress government under DK Shivakumar is bankrupt due to a shortage of funds.”

Alleging that the Congress government was in the “ICU”, Vijayendra said that Shivakumar must issue a white paper on the economic situation of the State.  He alleged that the Karnataka government was unable to provide pensions to persons with disabilities as well as old-age and widow pensions.

"Chief Minister, you have only one more year left in office. Instead of making free speeches, tell the people what the actual situation is,” he said.

The Finance Department had stated that that Karnataka's fiscal deficit for 2026-27 is projected at 2.95 per cent, against the 3 per cent limit permitted under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management framework.

Earlier, the Assembly was briefly adjourned after the JD(S) and BJP raised strong objections to the mostly empty treasury benches. Only a handful of Ministers showed up to the three-day session that the Congress called to discus drought and the Kasturirangan Committee Report. 

As Speaker GS Patil sought to proceed with a congratulatory note to Anant Nag on winning the Dadasaheb Phalke award, Ashoka objected and said only two Ministers were present and asked if this was how the Congress wanted to congratulate the veteran actor. 

Are there only “payment ministers?” Ashoka asked, triggering an uproar from Congress MLAs.  

A similar scene unfolded in the Legislative House after JD(S) MLC Bhoje Gowda questioned how discussions could take place when nine ministers and senior officials were not present.

Chairman Saleem Ahmed directed Leader of the House, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, to ensure that they attend and warned of action before briefly adjourning the proceedings.