Bengaluru, Oct 28 (NationPress) The BJP has leveled serious allegations against Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader, claiming his tenure has been marred by corruption scandals. They are calling for a thorough judicial investigation into these accusations.

During a press conference at the BJP's state headquarters, Jagannath Bhavan in Bengaluru, BJP MP and former Assembly Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri asserted that the integrity of the Speaker's office must be upheld. He demanded that a sitting judge lead the judicial probe into the claims.

“Why are tenders from the Speaker’s office consistently awarded to contractors from Mangaluru? Why are they limited to a select few?” he questioned.

“What was the stance of the Secretariat officials? According to my information, the Finance Department initially rejected the purchases, yet it is alleged that the Chief Minister later approved them. There are also claims that the Chief Minister provided support to U.T. Khader,” Kageri stated.

“What was the urgency surrounding these purchases?” he further questioned.

Kageri noted that the corruption allegations surfaced following the installation of a rosewood frame at the Assembly's main entrance.

“New television sets were installed in the Assembly Hall, and the costs for an AI-based monitoring system were exorbitant. Additionally, all MLAs received wall clocks featuring the Gandaberunda emblem,” Kageri alleged.

“The Speaker began providing food and snacks at government expense. Was that truly necessary?” he asked, adding, “At first glance, it appears excessive.”

“Beddings, carpets, and even wall paint were replaced. There’s a growing suspicion that these refurbishments conceal something deeper,” he asserted.

He also alleged irregularities in purchases intended for MLAs’ quarters.

“Smart door lockers were installed, supposedly for enhanced security. A company like Godrej sells these for approximately Rs 14,000–16,000 online, yet the Speaker’s office reported a cost exceeding Rs 49,000 each. Likewise, smart safe lockers that retail for Rs 8,000–9,000 were billed at over Rs 35,000 each,” he claimed.

“Smart energy solutions that typically cost around Rs 30,000 were purchased for Rs 90,500 each. Stainless steel water purifiers available for Rs 16,000–53,000 were acquired for Rs 65,000. In total, 235 items were procured — including 123 smart energy systems, 224 safe lockers, and an equal number of door lockers,” he noted.

“For a mere 4–5-day book fair, they spent Rs 4.5 crore. Even if they had purchased and distributed books, it would not have cost so much,” Kageri remarked.

“They merely set up stalls, lighting, and installed tables and cots at the MLAs’ hostel. Appointments in the Secretariat have been halted by the court. What’s happening in the Speaker’s chamber? All this tarnishes the position. U.T. Khader is currently abroad. How many countries has he visited, how much did those trips cost, and how much did the government fund?” he queried.

“I too traveled abroad when I was Speaker, but within permissible limits. How many foreign trips has he taken, and with whom? This information should be made public,” Kageri insisted.

Kageri recalled that when ten BJP MLAs were suspended in 2023, allegations arose that U.T. Khader was acting under the direction of the Congress party. “Later, when 18 more MLAs were suspended, questions were raised about whether the Speaker had become a puppet of the ruling party. During Assembly sessions, concerns were voiced regarding whether he adequately allowed opportunities for the Opposition BJP,” Kageri stated.

“I have heard that even the Opposition Leader was not assigned a government residence. The system should operate with fairness and dignity. However, now, under the guise of administrative reforms, widespread corruption is occurring. These issues have been highlighted in newspapers, social media, and YouTube channels,” he concluded.