(Left) Chief Minister Siddaramaiah (Right) Union minister H D Kumara Swamy
Bengaluru: During the Congress government’s rule, corruption levels have reportedly soared, reaching a staggering 60 per cent, as alleged by central steel and large industries minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. Addressing journalists in the city on Monday he claimed that even housing allocations have become tainted with bribery. Initially, only PDOs (Panchayat Development Officers) were involved in corruption, but now even ministers in Vidhana Soudha are allegedly accepting bribes.
Kumaraswamy pointedly questioned whether Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who claims to be honest, is truly embodying the principles of “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth Alone Triumphs). He challenged Siddaramaiah to introspect and questioned whether there is no limit to the plundering of public funds. He highlighted that contractors aligned with the Congress party are now admitting that the previous BJP government was comparatively better when it comes to corruption. This warns that Siddaramaiah and the Congress government will eventually have to pay a price for their actions.
Kumaraswamy further stated that the aspirations of those dreaming about the JDS gaining strength due to the active participation of its workers would not materialise. Speaking at a gathering of party workers and leaders in Sara Convention Hall, he emphasized that the JDS survives thanks to the hard work of its activists and urged party members to increase registrations for upcoming local body elections.
He asserted that a strong party could benefit farmers and unite all sections of society. Citing the efforts and vision of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, he emphasized the need to nurture leaders from all communities, critiquing the current leadership for lacking appreciation for this legacy. Kumaraswamy criticized the Congress’s governance and budget decisions, noting that while they offer a mere five guarantees to the public, they are simultaneously raising transportation costs, exposing their hypocrisy in governance.
Counter to Siddaramaiahs query
In a robust counterattack against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s request for records regarding the staggering 60 per cent commission allegation leveled against the Congress government, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has taken to social media to express his views. Through a series of tweets, Kumaraswamy lambasted Siddaramaiah, branding him as a “hit and run” politician, and advancing a narrative that positions the current Congress administration as embroiled in corrupt practices.
Kumaraswamy questioned the validity of Siddaramaiah’s request by asking, “Where did the baseless accusation come from, Honorable Chief Minister?” He claimed that the allegations of corruption stem from contractors aligned with the Congress party in Tumkur, who he asserts have openly criticized the previous BJP government by claiming that it was less corrupt.
In his tweet, Kumaraswamy asserted, “The contractors from your party acknowledge that the Congress government is demanding a 40 per cent commission on various projects.” This statement underscores a growing rift between governmental factions as accusations of corruption continue to swirl around the Congress-led administration, provoking a tense political atmosphere.
The Union Minister didn’t stop there; he further challenged Siddaramaiah by questioning his integrity. “If there is no commission business, why did you say that?” Kumaraswamy inquired, asserting that while the Chief Minister is now requesting documentation for every accusation leveled against his government, he previously accused the BJP of similar corrupt practices without any substantiating evidence. He referred to Siddaramaiah’s past allegations, pointing out, “You accused the BJP government of a 40% commission and ran full-page advertisements. How many documents did you provide then?”
Further complicating matters, Kumaraswamy brought to light a letter written by a contractor from Davangere, who has implored both Siddaramaiah and the Governor for assistance regarding outstanding payments. “Will you give him the money owed or will you grant him mercy? Leave the greed for commission and first protect that contractor,” he challenged, hinting at the Congress government’s negligence towards contractual obligations and its potential failure to support those reliant on state contracts.
Former CM Bommai alleged 60 percent commission
The political atmosphere in Karnataka is heating up as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah faces serious allegations regarding a staggering 60 per cent commission on government contracts during his administration. In a recent press conference, Siddaramaiah challenged critics to produce documentation to substantiate the claims, asserting that there was no “40 per cent government” during his time in power. However, former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has countered this statement, declaring that no supporting documents have yet been presented to validate the Chief Minister’s assertions.
Bommai elaborated on the deteriorating state of governance, stating, “We know how this government is behaving. Corruption is rampant in every department, and there is a glaring lack of development work. The pervasive corruption has touched every segment of society, including ordinary citizens, contractors, and people from various classes.” He accused the Chief Minister of attempting to disguise the systemic corruption that has become synonymous with the current administration.
Highlighting past government initiatives, Bommai reminded constituents of the beneficial policies enacted during his leadership, such as the free electricity scheme for farmers, the Bhagyalakshmi scheme for newborn girls, and the Vidyanidhi scheme for farmers’ children. He questioned what contributions the Congress party has made to the welfare of the populace, sarcastically commenting, “What have they done? Not even one road is right.”
Furthermore, the former Chief Minister took aim at the Congress party’s treatment of Dr BR Ambedkar, stating, “The way Congress acted during Dr Ambedkar’s lifetime is now evident to today’s youth. The party’s recent two-day debate in Parliament has exposed them as anti-Constitutional and anti-Ambedkar.” He urged Congress to repent for the perceived slights against the Constitution and Ambedkar’s legacy committed by their forebears.
The recent increase in bus fares has sparked public outrage, with Bommai denouncing it as an anti-people decision. “People are openly expressing their anger over this hike. They introduced the Shakti Yojana and have failed to disburse funds properly for it. Consequently, the youth and students are bearing the brunt of this failure. Although they promised more buses, they have only just begun to fulfill the commitments made during my tenure as Chief Minister,” he claimed.
Bommai also pointed out the financial predicament ordinary citizens currently face. “The government has raised the cost of transportation, water, electricity, and even milk. Additional taxes have been levied on stamp duty, vehicle registration, as well as petrol and diesel. There are even discussions about taxing gravel used by common people and water sourced from the Western Ghats. Before we know it, taxing the air we breathe may not be far off,” he warned.
In closing, the former Chief Minister emphasised the absurdity of comparing the bus fare hikes to railway fare increases, demanding the Chief Minister address the pressing issues plaguing the state. “There are potholes everywhere, and I question how such conditions could exist even on the moon,” Bommai quipped, underscoring the apparent neglect of infrastructure and public welfare under the Congress-led government.
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