Is K'taka's Government Overwhelmed by Corruption? Union Minister Kumaraswamy Responds to MLA's Allegations

Bengaluru, June 20 (NationPress) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, asserted on Friday that corruption and commission rackets have reached unprecedented levels throughout the government.

His remarks followed the emergence of a purported audio clip featuring the Deputy Chairman of the Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission and Congress MLA, B.R. Patil, who alleged widespread corruption within the Housing Department.

In the leaked audio, MLA Patil states that disclosing the information he holds could potentially destabilize the government.

The Karnataka BJP has called for a judicial inquiry into these claims, urging Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to secure the resignation of Housing Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan.

Addressing media inquiries on Friday, Kumaraswamy emphasized that Patil’s revelations serve as evidence of the ongoing issues within the government.

In response to a question, Kumaraswamy remarked, “Oh really? Are you surprised? This has been happening continuously.”

“To acquire a site, bribes and commissions are being exchanged. This is a widespread issue affecting all state government departments,” he stated emphatically.

“What Congress MLA B.R. Patil has disclosed is accurate. He indicated that funds in the Housing Department are only released upon receipt of bribes. This assertion is not made by me or the Opposition; it comes from none other than the Vice Chairman of the State Policy and Planning Commission, who was also appointed as an advisor to the Chief Minister,” he added.

“Their apparent strategy is to misappropriate sufficient funds now to facilitate future elections,” Kumaraswamy alleged.

“I have seen Minister for Revenue Krishna Byre Gowda’s comments during a surprise visit to an office recently. He directly mentioned that fixed rates have been established for various transactions. Ministers across different departments are well aware of the corruption within their realms. Krishna Byre Gowda himself revealed the ongoing issues within his department. How much more evidence is needed to comprehend the workings of this government?” Kumaraswamy questioned.

In response to land encroachment allegations against him, Kumaraswamy stated, “Concerning the land at Kethaganahalli, I am engaged in a legal battle. I have already expressed my position within the legal framework. The state government is subjecting me to political harassment.”

Commenting on the High Court's stay regarding the SIT formed to investigate land clearance, he stated, “This is a parcel of land acquired 40 years ago. There has been no encroachment whatsoever. This matter will be resolved lawfully in court.”

“The state government accuses the central government of political vendetta. But what actions are they taking? They are employing state officials to execute the same divisive politics. Time will provide a fitting response to all of this,” the Union Minister stated.

When queried about the appointment of D.K. Suresh, Deputy CM Shivakumar’s brother, as President of the Bengaluru Milk Union, he responded, “The government is in power, and they will act as they please. When the time comes, we will respond appropriately.”