Though the Congress party claims success of two years in power, the ground reality is different. People are suffering a lot owing to financial mismanagement, the rise of the price of necessary commodities, increased corruption, and maladministration. Though the party came to power by promising the best administration, it failed to deliver a good administration, causing trouble for people. Amid freebies to people, which played a vital role during the last husting, the price hike was very affected. Here is the information on various scams and corruption by the government led by CM Siddaramaiah.
MUDA Land Scam Involving CM Siddaramaiah
One of the most damaging allegations emerged against CM Siddaramaiah himself. He was accused of misusing his power to facilitate the allocation of a prime plot in a Mysuru residential layout to his wife, Parvathi, through the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). This led to the filing of a plea before the Governor seeking permission for prosecution. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot granted permission, and the High Court upheld it, resulting in an FIR and a Lokayukta investigation. Though the Lokayukta later issued a clean chit, the complainant has challenged it and is now seeking a CBI probe.
Valmiki Corporation Money Laundering Scandal
The state faced severe embarrassment after Rs 95 crore was allegedly misappropriated from the Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation. The scandal led to the resignation of then-minister B. Nagendra. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Nagendra and later filed a chargesheet. Although a CID SIT gave him a clean chit, the issue remains politically sensitive.
Excise Department Bribery Allegations
Excise Minister R B Thimmapur faced allegations of collecting bribes under the guise of “monthly collections” from liquor store owners. The Karnataka Wine Merchants Association accused him of amassing Rs 180 crore annually, with total corruption pegged at Rs 500 crore. The controversy even drew attention from PM Modi during election campaigns.
Smart Meter Scam
Energy Minister K J George was accused of irregularities in awarding a Rs 15,000 crore tender for smart meters. BJP MLA Dr C N Ashwathnarayan raised the issue in the Assembly, claiming violations of the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (KTPP) Act. George denied the allegations.
KIADB Land Allotment Controversy
Ministers Priyank Kharge and M B Patil faced allegations of illegally allocating CA (Civic Amenity) sites through the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB). Priyank Kharge was accused of using influence to benefit his family trust. Though the site was later returned, complaints were lodged with the Governor seeking prosecution approval against Patil.
Minority Reservation in Government Contracts
The government’s proposal to reserve 4 per cent of government tenders (up to Rs 1 crore) for minorities sparked major opposition. Critics, including the BJP, alleged religious favouritism and violation of constitutional principles. The amendment to the KTPP Act triggered intense backlash.
Wakf Property Notices
Notices issued by the Wakf Board to farmers and religious institutions claiming ownership of land created a political storm. Minority Welfare Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan held Wakf Adalats across districts, intensifying tensions. Following protests, the CM intervened to halt and withdraw notices.
Withdrawal of Cases in Hubballi Riot
The decision to withdraw 43 cases linked to the 2022 Hubballi riots, including those under the UAPA, invited severe criticism. BJP accused the Congress of minority appeasement and undermining national security.
100 per cent Quota for Kannadigas in Private Jobs
The state cabinet approved a bill proposing 100 per cent reservation for Kannadigas in ‘C’ and ‘D’ category jobs in private industries. CM Siddaramaiah initially posted about it but deleted the post following backlash from industry leaders, reflecting policy confusion.
CBI Probe Revoked Against D K Shivakumar
The cabinet’s decision to revoke the previous BJP government’s order allowing a CBI investigation against Deputy CM D K Shivakumar in a disproportionate assets case sparked allegations of abuse of power. The opposition claimed the move was aimed at shielding Shivakumar.
Fuel and Milk Price Hikes
The government faced widespread criticism for increasing petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 in June, followed by three separate milk price hikes during its tenure, adding to public discontent.
Caste Census Controversy
The government’s acceptance of the 2015 caste survey report, which allegedly inflated the Muslim population and underreported dominant castes like Lingayats and Vokkaligas, stirred political tension. Even some Congress MLAs and ministers opposed the move.
Honeytrap Allegations
Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna claimed in the Assembly that 48 people, including himself, were targets of “honeytrap” operations. The statement triggered shockwaves and severely embarrassed the government.
As the Congress government highlights its welfare schemes in a public convention celebrating its second anniversary, the trail of controversies and corruption charges continues to overshadow its claims of transparent and progressive governance.
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