Could an Audio Clip of K'taka Cong MLA Reveal Corruption in Housing Allocations?
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Synopsis
An explosive audio clip allegedly reveals Congress MLA B.R. Patil's claims of widespread corruption in Karnataka's Housing Department. With calls for a judicial probe from the BJP, the revelations could shake the foundations of the Congress-led government. Will this lead to accountability in the state’s housing allocations?
Key Takeaways
- Allegations of corruption in Karnataka's Housing Department have surfaced.
- MLA B.R. Patil claims houses are being allotted through bribery.
- The BJP is demanding a judicial inquiry.
- Calls for Housing Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan's resignation have been made.
- Accountability in governance is crucial for public trust.
Bengaluru, June 20 (NationPress) An alleged audio recording featuring the Deputy Chairman of the Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission and Congress MLA B.R. Patil emerged on Friday, claiming widespread corruption within the Housing Department.
In the recording, MLA Patil asserts that disclosing the information he has could undermine the very structure of the Congress-led government.
The Karnataka BJP has called for a judicial inquiry into these serious claims and urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to demand the resignation of Housing Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan.
In the audio, which appears to be a phone conversation, MLA Patil, representing the Aland Assembly constituency in Kalaburagi district, is heard expressing his frustration to Minister Zameer’s personal secretary, Sarfaraz Khan. He questions the secretary about the alleged bribes connected to housing allocations in his constituency.
“Houses are being distributed only to those who have paid bribes. It pains me to complain about my own government. A total of 950 houses across various villages have been allotted after accepting money from beneficiaries. My recommendation letters are being disregarded. Instead, preference is given to the list provided by the Gram Panchayat President,” MLA Patil is heard saying.
Sarfaraz Khan is then heard attempting to calm him down, suggesting that Patil submit his own list of beneficiaries, promising that they too would receive housing.
Since the release of the audio, MLA Patil has refrained from making any public statements, and there has been no official response from the Congress party.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka BJP criticized the state government following the audio leak, asserting that the Congress government epitomizes corruption.
The Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, R. Ashoka, remarked, “Congress MLA and Chief Minister’s Economic Advisor Basavaraj Rayareddy had previously indicated that Karnataka is the most corrupt state under the Congress government. Now, supporting that assertion, MLA B.R. Patil has made serious claims against Housing Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan.”
“MLA B.R. Patil has alleged that in the Aland Assembly constituency, 950 houses have been allocated through bribery. He cautioned that revealing the corruption-related information he holds could shake the very foundation of the government,” Ashoka commented.
“I urge MLA B.R. Patil to disclose all information regarding the corruption and bribery occurring in the Housing Department and to file a complaint with the Lokayukta. The BJP will fully support him in this endeavor,” Ashoka insisted.
Ashoka further emphasized, “When members of their own party are making corruption allegations, what moral authority does Housing Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan have to remain in office? Chief Minister Siddaramaiah must promptly seek Zameer Ahmad Khan's resignation and initiate a judicial investigation under the supervision of a sitting High Court judge based on the audio evidence presented by MLA B.R. Patil.
Point of View
We observe that the emergence of this audio clip underscores the importance of accountability in governance. Corruption allegations can erode public trust and must be addressed transparently. The ongoing call for a judicial inquiry highlights the need for a thorough investigation, ensuring that all claims are examined fairly and judiciously.
NationPress
20/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations made by MLA B.R. Patil?
MLA B.R. Patil alleges that corruption is rampant in the Housing Department, claiming that houses are being allotted only to those who pay bribes.
What action has the BJP taken in response to the audio clip?
The Karnataka BJP has demanded a judicial inquiry into the allegations and called for the resignation of Housing Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan.
What did R. Ashoka say regarding the situation?
R. Ashoka stated that the audio clip strengthens claims of widespread corruption under the Congress government and urged MLA Patil to disclose all relevant information.
