Image Credit: X account @siddaramaiah
Karnataka contractors’ body alleges graft doubled under Congress
The Karnataka State Contractors’ Association has written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah alleging that corruption has doubled in several government departments since the Congress took office. Association president R Manjunath and general secretary G M Ravindra said that commissions demanded for clearing bills have increased compared to the previous administration, while payments continue to be delayed.
Pending bills and demands for transparency
In its letter, the association claimed that dues worth nearly ₹32,000 crore remain unpaid, with some bills pending for almost two years. It urged the state government to implement a transparent system to clear contractor payments and ensure that corruption does not hinder development projects. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar had earlier assured contractors that the government would clear pending bills amounting to ₹32,000 crore, but no timeline was given.
Fresh allegations against the ruling Congress
This marks the first formal written complaint by the association against the Congress government, though oral remarks had been made earlier. The same association had previously accused the BJP government in 2022 of running a “40% commission” system, a charge strongly denied by BJP leaders at the time.
Commission report on irregularities
Meanwhile, the state recently received the Justice Nagmohan Das Commission report, which highlighted irregularities in several BBMP projects carried out during the BJP government. It recommended action against officials and contractors involved. The Congress government has yet to issue a clear response to the contractors’ latest allegations, beyond assurances of addressing the issue of pending payments.
