The BJP has intensified its attack on the Karnataka government, demanding the immediate dismissal of two ministers following corruption allegations raised by Congress MLA Ashok Kumar Rai.

  • Congress MLA Ashok Kumar Rai accused ministers of collecting extra charges via KRIDL engineers.
  • BJP leader R. Ashok demanded a CBI probe into the alleged corruption.
  • Allegations suggest a 7% commission is being extorted from contractors.
  • The BJP claims nearly ₹800 crore has been collected as commission so far.

BENGALURU: The political landscape in Karnataka has reached a boiling point. Following a bombshell allegation made by a Congress MLA, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has formally urged Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to sack two ministers implicated in a corruption scandal. The controversy stems from a letter written by Congress MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, which has sent shockwaves through the state administration.

Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru on Wednesday, the Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashok, launched a scathing attack on the incumbent government. He alleged that engineers from the Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL) have been collecting unauthorized extra charges from contractors, purportedly to be funneled to the Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister and the concerned department minister.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this internal friction—where a ruling party member exposes systemic corruption—poses a significant threat to the political stability of the Congress-led government. The allegation of a '7% commission' model strikes at the heart of public trust in infrastructure development and governance.

In his letter, Mr. Rai stated that contractors are being coerced into paying an additional 7% of project costs. Furthermore, the letter highlighted that any contractor attempting to question these practices faces intimidation and threats. This has led the BJP to label the current administration as a 'Commission Raj.'

"If ₹100 is released, only ₹30 worth of work is done. The remaining 70% goes as commission." - R. Ashok

R. Ashok further estimated that the total amount collected through such corrupt practices could be as high as ₹800 crore. To ensure a transparent investigation, the BJP has demanded that the matter be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), arguing that state-level probes may lack the necessary independence.

Historical Background

Infrastructure-related corruption has long been a contentious issue in Karnataka's political history. Allegations involving various development boards and agencies have frequently led to high-profile investigations and shifts in political power within the state.

Did You Know?: Corruption allegations in public works projects often involve complex webs of contractors, engineers, and political intermediaries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What specifically did the Congress MLA allege?
He alleged that KRIDL engineers collect a 7% extra charge from contractors to be given to specific ministers.

2. What is the BJP's demand?
The BJP demands the immediate sacking of the two involved ministers and a CBI investigation.