Bengaluru: The Congress government in Karnataka has been hit with fresh allegations of rampant corruption, with the Bhovi Community National President, Venkatesh, accusing officials and political appointees of demanding a staggering 60 per cent commission in government dealings. The charges, which echo earlier accusations of a “40 per cent commission raj” under the BJP, have sparked a storm and raised questions about the state’s social welfare corporations becoming hubs of exploitation rather than empowerment.
Addressing a press conference at the Bengaluru Press Club, Venkatesh launched a scathing attack on the ruling Congress, alleging that corruption has worsened since the party came to power. “During the BJP regime, Congress leaders accused them of running a 40 per cent commission government. But now, in the Congress government itself, 60 per cent commission is openly being demanded. The deal is being struck in government offices in front of everyone,” he charged.
Rs 65 crore promised, only Rs 13 crore released
Venkatesh pointed out that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced Rs 65 crore for the Bhovi community’s welfare, but shockingly, only Rs 13 crore has been released so far. He claimed that Congress worker Ravikumar, who was appointed as president of the Bhovi Development Corporation, had turned the body into a den of illegal money deals instead of serving the needs of the community.
A video allegedly shows Ravikumar, along with a broker, demanding a 60% commission from beneficiaries and negotiating multi-crore deals. “The corporation’s president, instead of ensuring benefits reach the community, has become the face of corruption. He must be immediately dismissed and arrested like Minister Rajanna. His house should be confiscated, and the entire scam during his tenure should be investigated thoroughly,” Venkatesh demanded.
The allegations further reveal a shocking modus operandi. Beneficiaries entitled to loans of up to Rs 10 lakh from the corporation are allegedly being forced to part with a large chunk of the sanctioned amount. “Officials pocket the lion’s share and hand over only Rs 25,000 to the poor beneficiaries. This is daylight robbery,” Venkatesh alleged.
He further said the racket extended to the direct loan scheme for land purchase, where beneficiaries are entitled to Rs 20 lakh assistance. Instead, officials allegedly siphon off half the amount with the help of brokers. “This government is using corporations to loot the vulnerable communities. By the time elections approach, they are promoting schemes not for welfare, but to collect 60% commission,” Venkatesh thundered.
Links to Social Welfare Department
In a further damaging claim, Venkatesh alleged that Ravikumar had direct links with the Social Welfare Department, and in the video, is purportedly heard saying that the collected money must be “shared upwards” with ministers. “This means corruption is not limited to a few individuals. It indicates a well-organized system, where money collected from the poor is routed to senior leaders,” he said.
He demanded that the Minister for Social Welfare must respond to these allegations and called on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to intervene immediately. “If Siddaramaiah calls himself a non-violent and transparent leader, then Ravikumar must be sacked today. Otherwise, we will surround Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa wherever he goes and stage protests,” Venkatesh warned.
Demand for CBI probe
The Bhovi community leader also pointed out that corruption was not new, recalling how officials were caught during former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai’s tenure in connection with an ₹85 crore Lokayukta scam. But he said that probe remains incomplete even today. “Whether it was the BJP or Congress, scams continue unchecked. Even when investigations are ordered, they are dragged endlessly. That is why we demand that this case be handed over to the CBI. Only then will the truth come out,” he stressed.
He drew parallels with the Valmiki Corporation scam that allegedly occurred during the Telangana elections, questioning whether the Bhovi Corporation scam was also being linked to election fund-raising. “In the video, Ravikumar himself is heard talking about crore-crore deals. Is this money being collected to fund elections in Bihar or elsewhere? The government must answer,” he asked.
