BENGALURU
The Karnataka BJP has strongly criticised Rural Development, Panchayat Raj, IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge, accusing him of ignoring his responsibilities after reports showed a 40 per cent drop in startup investment in the state this year. The party said the minister is more focused on political remarks than on supporting technology and innovation.
Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka said on Monday that while the minister shows “great interest in political mockery,” he shows “no interest in technological innovation.” He added that Priyank Kharge spends time commenting on issues unrelated to his portfolio and often speaks about banning the RSS, instead of focusing on Karnataka’s innovation goals.
Ashoka claimed that the minister’s “indifference and inactivity” have contributed to the steep fall in startup funding. He said Karnataka and Bengaluru, once considered the heart of India’s innovation ecosystem, are now losing their lead to other states. He argued that Karnataka needs an active IT minister who supports young innovators and investors, rather than someone who “acts like a troll minister.”
He further said the state cannot progress under the current Congress-led government, calling it “cursed” and harmful to Karnataka’s growth. Ashoka cited data from Tracxn, a Bengaluru-based market intelligence platform, which showed that the first half of 2025 saw a 44 per cent year-on-year drop in startup funding. Q1 2025 alone reported a 23 per cent decline compared to the last quarter of 2024.
Ashoka also criticised the government’s proposed tunnel road project in Bengaluru. He questioned why Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is pushing an “unscientific” Rs 18,500-crore tunnel plan despite public opposition and environmental concerns. He alleged that the project is a “collection scheme” meant to raise funds for political ambitions.
