BJP raises allegations of corruption against Karnataka govt, seeks Guv’s intervention

Bengaluru, June 24 (PTI) Accusing the Congress government of "rampant corruption", Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra on Tuesday urged Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to intervene and demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Housing Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan.

Alleging that Karnataka has become an "ATM" for the Congress high command, he claimed that all ministers are under tremendous pressure to collect money to meet the demands of their party's central leadership, leading to corruption in every department.

His accusations against the government came in the wake of Congress MLA from Aland, B R Patil's claims about bribery in the allotment of public housing.

Another ruling party legislator, Raju Kage from Kagwad, has also spoken about resigning, upset over delays in developmental works and the release of funds, while alleging that the administration has completely collapsed.

"B R Patil has alleged that there is rampant corruption in the Housing Department and that, without paying bribes, common people are not getting houses allotted in rural areas. Another senior Congress MLA, Raju Kage, has stated that he is frustrated as grants meant for the development of his constituency have not been released because commissions have not been paid," Vijayendra claimed.

Speaking to reporters, he added, "Home Minister G Parameshwara has openly stated in Badami—please don't ask for funds from Siddaramaiah, as there are no funds for development. He has directed his party MLAs not to seek funds. This is the state of affairs in Karnataka. The administration has completely collapsed. Corruption is rampant not only in the Housing Department but across every department." Vijayendra alleged that ministers have "literally opened counters" for collecting bribes in every department.

"Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda had even asked officers to put up a rate list (while admonishing officials). This is the situation in Karnataka," he claimed.

Further, Vijayendra claimed, "Today, it is a very unfortunate situation. Due to the pressure exerted by the Chief Minister himself, all ministers are under tremendous pressure to collect money to fulfill the demands of the Congress high command. Hence, corruption is rampant in every department in Karnataka." The state government and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah have "literally handed over Karnataka to the commission mafia," he alleged, claiming that "commission mafia agents" are collecting bribes for the transfer of government officials.

"In Bengaluru, common people are unable to get clearance for their houses. Corruption is everywhere in Karnataka," he charged.

Demanding that Siddaramaiah not only seek the resignation of Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan but also take responsibility himself, Vijayendra urged the Chief Minister to step down.

"I urge the Governor to take this matter very seriously. The administration has come to a standstill, people are fed up with corruption everywhere, and even Congress MLAs are exposing their government. I urge him to intervene in this matter," he claimed. PTI KSU SSK