Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka files complaint with Karnataka governor over scam in awarding tender for waste management
Bengaluru: Karnataka’s political battle over Bengaluru’s waste management has intensified, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleging a massive Rs 36,000-crore scam in the city’s garbage collection and processing tender. A BJP delegation on June 9 submitted a formal complaint to Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into what it described as one of the biggest garbage-related scandals in the country.
Leading the charge, Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka accused the Congress government of facilitating large-scale irregularities in the awarding of waste management contracts. Speaking to reporters after meeting the Governor, Ashoka claimed the alleged scam involved the awarding of a multi-crore tender to a Delhi-based company despite serious concerns regarding its track record.
According to Ashoka, the scale of the alleged irregularities would shock Bengaluru residents. He alleged that the Congress-led government had orchestrated what he termed a “national-level garbage scam” by approving the controversial tender without adequate scrutiny.
“The people of Bengaluru are suffering because garbage is piling up across the city, while those in power are busy looting public money in the name of waste management. This is not merely a tender irregularity; it is a scam involving thousands of crores of rupees,” Ashoka alleged.
The BJP leader further claimed that the company awarded the contract had previously faced adverse action from international agencies and had allegedly been blacklisted in the past. Despite these concerns, the firm was reportedly granted a key role in Bengaluru’s waste management operations.
Ashoka alleged that pressure from Congress leaders at the national level influenced the approval process. He claimed the proposal was introduced at the last minute during a Cabinet meeting and subsequently cleared despite objections and concerns raised by some ministers.
“The tender was approved only because it allegedly had the backing of the Congress high command. Ministers themselves were reportedly surprised when they came to know about the scale of the contract,” he charged.
The BJP has also questioned changes made to the government’s oversight mechanism. According to Ashoka, an earlier committee constituted to examine the waste management tender process was replaced by a new panel. He alleged that the move was aimed at facilitating approval of the project rather than ensuring transparency.
Describing the project as a “golden scheme to convert garbage into money,” the BJP leader accused the Congress government of prioritising financial interests over the city’s pressing sanitation challenges.
He further alleged that while Bengaluru residents continue to struggle with overflowing garbage dumps, foul odour and poor waste collection services, the government’s focus remains on awarding lucrative contracts worth thousands of crores.
The BJP delegation has urged Governor Gehlot to intervene and ensure an impartial investigation into the matter. The party has also announced plans to approach the Lokayukta with an affidavit seeking a detailed inquiry into the tender process and the role of officials involved.
Demanding immediate cancellation of the tender, BJP leaders have called for strict action against any officials found responsible for alleged irregularities. They maintain that a transparent investigation is necessary to protect public funds and restore confidence in Bengaluru’s civic administration.
