Contractors alleged that the practice of 40% kickbacks on government contracts continues even under the Congress regime.
Published Feb 10, 2024 | 1:44 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 10, 2024 | 1:44 PM
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. (Siddaramaiah.Official/Facebook)
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday, 9 February, asked the Karnataka State Contractors’ Association president D Kempanna to approach Justice Nagamohan Das Commission if he has documents to prove that corruption is prevailing in the state.
The chief minister who spearheaded the “40 percent commission” campaign against the previous BJP government, said Kempanna can complain against those demanding bribes.
“We have constituted the Justice Nagamohan Das Commission to probe 40 percent commission’ that happened in the previous (BJP) government. If he has documents then he must share them,” Siddaramaiah told reporters in Chitradurga.
Kempanna on Thursday, 8 February, alleged that the practice of 40 percent kickbacks on government contracts continues even under the Congress regime as well.
Accusing government officials of rampant corruption, he said, earlier (during the previous BJP regime) public representatives were demanding bribes, now it’s their turn.
“Corruption is on in Karnataka by the officials. Till now, no MLA, MP or Minister has asked us for money. Earlier, MLAs used to ask for a specified amount to grant a work contract. It is not the situation now. Now the officials come and ask—’give money if you want work’,” Kempanna told reporters.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he said, “When we ask as to whom the money should be given, they (officials) say — why do you want it (to know)? If you want the work, give money.”
Asked to reveal the identity of the officials who were demanding bribes, Kempanna said, “I’m already facing five defamation cases, so I don’t want to reveal the names of the officials now.”
The Association had earlier alleged “harassment” by ministers, elected representatives and others during the previous BJP regime, accusing them of demanding 40 percent commission for awarding contracts and clearing bills, and had even written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in this regard.
During the 2023 Assembly polls, the Congress made the Association’s charge a major campaign issue to dub the BJP as being “corrupt”. This was seen as one of the key factors that led to the BJP’s debacle in the elections.
“If the officials are not controlled, the government in no way will get a good name….officials seem to be controlling things,” Kempanna added on Thursday.
“Package system” is being followed to take up projects in all departments, Kempanna said. “This is being done with the intention to keep away local contractors and favour contractors from neighboring states. Due to the package system, local, small-medium contractors of the state are facing problems as they are not getting the work.”
(With PTI inputs)
