BENGALURU: A storm has erupted in the Karnataka Assembly after Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka levelled a series of explosive allegations accusing the state government of presiding over what he described as a “full-fledged mafia” operating under the guise of the e-khata system, even as basic civic governance in the city continues to deteriorate.
Launching a scathing attack, Ashoka alleged that municipal officials have turned the e-khata process into a lucrative business, forcing citizens to pay bribes for legally mandated services. “This is not governance, this is organised loot. An e-khata mafia has been created under the very nose of the government,” he charged.
Referring to a viral video of Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar daring anyone to prove corruption within the government, Ashoka said ground realities tell a different story. He cited a case in HBR Layout, developed by the Bangalore Development Authority, where a site owner allegedly had to negotiate a bribe of ₹30,000 to convert his property into an e-khata.
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According to Ashoka, the owner initially paid Rs 15,000 via digital payment, but his application was rejected by the authorities. Even after multiple attempts, the application was denied, forcing him to pay an additional Rs 20,000. “When the work was still not done and he demanded his money back, the official refused. Where is accountability?” Ashoka questioned, adding that complaints to helplines and consumer forums yielded no justice.
He further alleged that similar practices are rampant across Bengaluru, including in Devanahalli, where bribes of up to Rs 50,000 are reportedly being demanded. “A retired official is openly running an office and collecting Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 for e-khata processing. This is happening in every ward,” he claimed, calling it a systemic failure rather than isolated incidents.
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The allegations took a more serious turn when Ashoka claimed that authorities are issuing auction notices for properties despite taxes being duly paid. In one instance, he said, a father received an auction notice for non-payment of taxes, even though the property had been transferred to his son, who had been paying taxes regularly. “This is harassment by design. Citizens are being pushed into a trap,” he said.
Beyond corruption, the opposition leader painted a grim picture of Bengaluru’s crumbling infrastructure. Despite repeated city tours by senior ministers, including Shivakumar, potholes remain unattended for weeks. “They claim to have spent thousands of crores on road repairs, but the reality is visible to every commuter. Accidents are increasing, lives are being lost,” he said.
Ashoka also slammed the government over the worsening garbage crisis, pointing out that promises of a scientific dumping yard remaining unfulfilled even after three years. He alleged that more than 10,000 tonnes of waste remain unprocessed daily. Targeting Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, he accused the government of prioritising land allotments over solving pressing civic issues.
ಡಂಪಿಂಗ್ ಯಾರ್ಡ್ ಗಳಿಗೆ ಹೋಗಬೇಕಿದ್ದ ಸಾವಿರಾರು ಕಸದ ಲಾರಿಗಳು ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿಯೇ ಉಳಿದಿವೆ.
ಇದು ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ಬ್ರ್ಯಾಂಡ್ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಅಸಲೀಯತ್ತು.#AssemblySession pic.twitter.com/AZ2IqzElea
— R. Ashoka (@RAshokaBJP) March 24, 2026
Highlighting administrative inefficiency, Ashoka revealed massive staff shortages across departments in the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike. “Against sanctioned posts, nearly half the positions remain vacant. No recruitment has been done, and the system is collapsing under its own weight,” he said.
He also raised concerns about the civic body’s financial health, noting that while revenues stand at around Rs 5,850 crore, expenditure requirements exceed Rs 6,300 crore. “The corporation is virtually bankrupt. If floods or emergencies occur, there is no buffer,” he warned.
The opposition further accused the government of policy paralysis, citing stalled infrastructure projects such as the Ejipura flyover, Ullal Gate works, and key junction upgrades. “Contractors are writing letters saying payments are not being released. Work has come to a standstill,” he alleged.
In a particularly serious allegation, Ashoka accused the government of attempting to repurpose land belonging to the historic flying school in Jakkur for real estate interests. He claimed that the land, originally earmarked during Jawaharlal Nehru’s tenure, is now under threat.
Responding to the charge, Minister K.J. George clarified that there is only a proposal to shift the facility and develop a sports complex, denying any favour to builders. However, Ashoka remained unconvinced, insisting that the move raises serious questions about the government’s intent.
