Bengaluru, Aug 16 (Reporter) In a blistering critique, the BJP has ramped up its offensive against Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, challenging their continued silence on a string of brutal crimes that have rocked Karnataka. Speaking at a fiery press conference, BJP Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla didn't mince words as he zeroed in on two recent and horrifying incidents: the alleged rape of an 11-year-old girl in Kalaburagi by an accused from the minority community and the cold-blooded murder of MCA student Neha Hiremath in Hubballi. While these tragedies have sparked outrage across the state, Poonawalla was quick to point out that the Gandhi siblings have remained conspicuously quiet. "Their silence is deafening," Poonawalla declared with palpable frustration. "It suggests a disturbing lack of concern for the victims and their families. Where are Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi when the people of Karnataka need them the most?" he demanded, calling into question the sincerity of their leadership. Poonawalla didn’t stop at questioning their silence. He unleashed a barrage of criticisms against the Karnataka government, labeling it a "double trouble government" plagued by corruption and administrative decay. Reviving memories of past Congress scandals, he drew a stark comparison between the notorious Jeep scam of 1947 and what he now terms the "loot, jhoot aur phoot" (lies, theft, and division) governance of Karnataka. "In Karnataka, it is a loot, jhoot, and phoot government. Since the Jeep scam in 1947, various scams have been reported. It is a ‘Khatakat loot guarantee scheme’ launched by Rahul Gandhi," Poonawalla charged, accusing the Congress of perpetuating a legacy of corruption that spans decades. He cited the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scandal, involving a staggering Rs 5,000 crore, as a glaring example of this ongoing malfeasance. Turning his attention to the state's financial management, Poonawalla was equally scathing, branding the current administration a "pickpocket government." He accused the Congress-led government of misappropriating funds earmarked for the welfare of marginalized communities, including the Scheduled Castes and Tribes. In a particularly damning accusation, he referred to a viral video allegedly showing Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar hushing up a woman during a discussion about government schemes, which he claimed is proof of the administration’s deceit. "The economic advisors to the Chief Minister have expressed concerns about a potential bankruptcy of the state," Poonawalla warned, highlighting what he sees as the dire financial straits Karnataka faces under Congress leadership. The BJP spokesperson didn’t shy away from criticizing the government’s tax policies either. He condemned the steep increases in taxes on essentials like petrol, diesel, electricity, bus fares, water, and even cinema tickets, arguing that these hikes are unjust and place an unbearable burden on ordinary citizens. One of Poonawalla's most explosive allegations was that around Rs 25,000 crore reserved for the development of Scheduled Caste communities has been "diverted" and "looted." He linked this to a broader narrative of neglect and exploitation under Congress rule, noting that 1,200 farmers have taken their own lives in Karnataka while Congress leaders remain silent. Adding fuel to the fire, Poonawalla referenced the recent suicide of an official from the Tribal Welfare Board Corporation, who allegedly named a minister in his note. He accused the government of using funds meant for tribal welfare to indulge in luxury purchases, including liquor and Lamborghinis, as well as for financing election campaigns. In a pointed conclusion, Poonawalla highlighted the tragic suicide of a Dalit community sub-inspector, in which a Congress MLA was allegedly implicated. "While Rahul Gandhi speaks about Dalits, in this case, it seems to be just empty talk," he remarked, questioning the genuineness of Congress’s commitment to social justice...////...