BJP Demands Removal of Two Karnataka Ministers Over KRIDL Graft Allegations
The Bharatiya Janata Party has called for the immediate dismissal of two Karnataka Ministers and sought a Central Bureau of Investigation probe following corruption allegations raised by a ruling Congress legislator. The demand emerged after Congress MLA Ashok Kumar Rai addressed a letter detailing alleged extortion within the Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited.
What Happened
Congress MLA Ashok Kumar Rai sent a letter to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar accusing two engineers from the Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL) of demanding additional payments from contractors. According to the letter, the engineers claimed these collections were meant for the Dakshina Kannada district in-charge Minister and the department Minister. Mr. Rai stated that an additional 7% charge was being levied on KRIDL contractors, and those who questioned the demand faced threats.
In response to the letter, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly R. Ashok addressed a press conference in Bengaluru, demanding that the state government immediately sack the two Ministers linked to the allegations and transfer the matter to the CBI for investigation.
Key Highlights
- Congress MLA Ashok Kumar Rai wrote to the Chief Minister alleging that two KRIDL engineers collected an extra 7% from contractors.
- The collected funds were purportedly sought on behalf of the department Minister and the Dakshina Kannada district in-charge Minister.
- Mr. Rai alleged that contractors raising concerns about the illicit charges were subjected to threats.
- Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok demanded the dismissal of the two Ministers and a CBI probe.
- Mr. Ashok alleged widespread corruption under the current administration, claiming that only ₹30 worth of work is delivered for every ₹100 released, with an estimated ₹800 crore collected in commissions.
- Mr. Ashok also defended the BJP’s padayatra, stating it was organised to spread public awareness about drought relief rather than for political reasons.
Why This Matters
The issue has intensified political friction between the ruling party and the opposition because the corruption claims originated from within the ruling Congress party itself. The opposition has pointed to the MLA’s written complaint to substantiate its wider accusations regarding commission practices and administrative conduct across public works.
What to Watch Next
The state government has not yet indicated whether it will initiate a CBI inquiry or take administrative action regarding the two named engineers and the Ministers cited in the communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who raised the initial allegations regarding KRIDL?
Congress MLA Ashok Kumar Rai initiated the allegations in a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, accusing two KRIDL engineers of extorting money from contractors.
What did the MLA’s letter allege?
The letter stated that an additional 7% was being collected from contractors by KRIDL engineers under the pretext of handing it to the department Minister and the Dakshina Kannada district in-charge Minister, with threats issued to contractors who questioned the demand.
What specific actions did the BJP demand?
Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok demanded the immediate dismissal of the two Ministers involved and urged that the investigation be handed over to the CBI.
Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.