Bommai Questions Congress Govt Over 60% Corruption Claims, Urges SIT Expansion
The former Karnataka Chief Minister hits out at the Siddaramaiah-led government, alleging rampant 60% commission scams and political cover-ups.
BNH NETWORK
HIGHLIGHTS
- Basavaraj Bommai demands that 60% commission allegations be brought under the SIT’s ambit.
- Accuses the Congress-led Karnataka government of deep-rooted corruption beyond the 40% claims.
- Contractor bodies have flagged 60% commission demands in public works and excise departments.
- Bommai slams delay in public work payments, claims state treasury is empty.
- Criticizes CM Siddaramaiah over the handling of the caste census, calls it political tokenism.
‘Cover-Up or Clean-Up?’ Bommai Pushes for 60% Scam Allegations in SIT Investigation
Bengaluru - Former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai has intensified his attack on the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government, demanding that allegations of 60 per cent commission be included in the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into corruption.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Bommai questioned the integrity of the government’s response to the deepening corruption narrative. “The state government had already constituted a commission to probe the so-called false propaganda surrounding the 40% commission charges. Before the SIT proceeds, the government must release that report to the public,” he asserted.
Bommai sharpened his criticism by highlighting that over the past two years, associations representing public works, excise, and electrical contractors have openly alleged a 60 per cent commission culture in the present Congress administration. He insisted that the SIT’s scope must include these accusations to ensure a fair and comprehensive inquiry.
The former Chief Minister also pushed back against suggestions that the BJP government, during its tenure, had indulged in similar practices. “Even then, the opposition made loud claims, but no one came forward with solid evidence. I had urged people to approach the Lokayukta, just as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and DCM D.K. Shivakumar are saying now,” he pointed out.
Contractors Refusing New Work Amid Payment Delays
Bommai further alleged that the state is unable to release payments for completed public projects. “There’s no money left in the treasury. Tenders are being issued but contractors are refusing to take up new projects due to pending payments,” he said.
Caste Census Controversy Rekindled
Turning to the caste census issue, Bommai accused the Congress government of playing politics. “Before starting the process, they should have declared it a caste census. Instead, they disguised it as a socio-economic survey to sidestep public debate,” he argued.
He further pointed out that the report, initially submitted by the chairman of the Backward Classes Commission, lacked signatures from the commission’s secretary and other members. “This government is dodging accountability by forming more committees instead of acting on the findings. The CM’s rhetoric on backward class welfare is empty politics,” Bommai added.
