Karnataka's Political Firestorm: BJP Alleges 50% Bribery in Congress Government's Contractor Payments

A political earthquake is shaking Karnataka as BY Vijayendra, the President of the BJP’s state unit, has launched a scathing attack on the ruling Congress government. At the heart of his accusations lies a staggering claim: a rampant 50% bribery demand from contractors for their due payments. This isn't just a political broadside; it's an allegation that threatens to engulf the Siddaramaiah-led administration in a major corruption scandal.

Addressing the media with fierce conviction, Vijayendra didn't mince words.

He asserted that the Congress government has fallen back into its old habits, characterizing it as a 'commission government' that is actively stifling the state's development. His rhetoric harks back to previous BJP accusations, suggesting a systemic issue within the current administration.

Vijayendra's allegations stem from a critical letter penned by Kempegowda, president of the Karnataka Contractors' Association, addressed to Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

This letter, which has become a focal point of the controversy, reportedly details the distressing situation faced by contractors who are struggling to receive their payments. The core of the complaint is the alleged demand for a 50% kickback for releasing funds for ongoing projects, a burden that is crippling the industry.

The BJP leader emphasized the dire consequences of such alleged corruption.

He highlighted that contractors, under immense financial pressure, are resorting to borrowing at exorbitant interest rates, which not only impacts their livelihoods but also jeopardizes the quality and timely completion of public works. This, he argued, directly undermines the state’s progress and public welfare.

Further fueling the controversy, Vijayendra pointed out that the Congress party, prior to the elections, had promised to settle all contractors' bills within a mere three months of coming to power.

However, he lamented that despite being in office for over a year, these promises remain unfulfilled, with contractors still awaiting payments for work completed as far back as 2021-22.

The BJP's offensive isn't stopping at mere accusations. Vijayendra warned of a massive statewide protest, spearheaded by his party, to expose what he termed the Congress government’s “corrupt practices.” He called on the government to immediately release all pending payments to contractors and to launch an impartial investigation into the bribery allegations.

This developing saga promises to escalate, turning Karnataka's political landscape into a battleground over transparency and governance.