KEONICS Vendors Report Alleged Harassment by Priyank Kharge; Request Mercy Killing
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Synopsis
Vendors linked to KEONICS allege harassment by Priyank Kharge and Sharath Bachegowda, leading them to appeal for mercy killing to the President of India, citing unpaid dues and severe impacts on their livelihoods.
Key Takeaways
- Vendors claim harassment from officials.
- Request for mercy killing due to financial distress.
- Over 6,000 families affected.
- Allegations of withheld payments for over 18 months.
- Call for immediate government intervention.
Bengaluru, Jan 14 (NationPress) Vendors linked to the government-run Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (KEONICS) have approached the President of India, seeking approval for mercy killing.
They claim to be victims of harassment by Priyank Kharge, the Minister for Rural Development, Panchayat Raj (RDPR), IT, and BT, as well as Congress MLA Sharath Bachegowda, who also chairs KEONICS.
The KEONICS Vendors' Association sent the letter on Tuesday, asserting that their outstanding payments have remained unresolved for over eighteen months due to alleged personal grievances.
The association highlighted that approximately 400 to 500 vendors have faced severe repercussions, affecting nearly 6,000 families.
They cautioned that should any vendors or their relatives resort to suicide, the accountability would rest on Minister Kharge and MLA Bachegowda.
"We endure harassment daily. The existence of KEONICS vendors has been shattered. The 6,000 families reliant on us have been left destitute. In these circumstances, we respectfully seek permission for mercy killing," expressed Vasanth Bangera and other members of the association in their correspondence.
KEONICS, which has been operational for 48 years, has registered 450 to 500 small industrialists as vendors to offer various services to the government.
Bangera mentioned that prior administrations maintained a positive rapport with KEONICS. However, he accused that the dynamics shifted after the Congress government assumed power in 2023. For the past three to four months, vendors have been appealing to officials for the release of their payments, yet to no avail.
The association alleged that the former CEO demanded a 12 percent commission, and when vendors declined, their payments were withheld. Despite organizing protests, no resolution has been achieved.
The letter further claimed that Minister Kharge has taken this matter personally, delaying payments under the guise of investigations, even though vendors have fulfilled their obligations and government departments have already disbursed funds to KEONICS.
Numerous vendors, who have taken loans for their businesses, are now facing financial turmoil and contemplating suicide due to the overwhelming stress.
The letter indicated that persistent pleas to Minister Kharge, MLA Bachegowda, the Chief Minister, the Governor, and other officials have been disregarded.
"Everything seems intentional. New regulations have been established to ensure that none of the 450 to 500 vendors retain their positions, favoring larger corporations instead. This has displaced 6,000 families from their means of livelihood," the letter stated.
In their appeal to the President, the association urged for immediate intervention and called for directives for the state government to disburse their dues within a week to safeguard their lives.
