Is Karnataka's Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader Under Fire for Smart Lock Corruption?
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Synopsis
The BJP in Karnataka is demanding the resignation of Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader, alleging corruption in the procurement of smart locks for the Legislators' Home. This controversy raises serious questions about financial oversight and accountability in the state's governance. A judicial inquiry has been called for to investigate the discrepancies in billing and procurement processes.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka BJP demands resignation of Speaker U.T. Khader.
- Judicial inquiry called over smart lock installation corruption.
- Discrepancies in billing highlight potential financial mismanagement.
- Market prices of smart locks significantly lower than billed amounts.
- Public transparency and accountability are being questioned.
Bengaluru, Oct 30 (NationPress) The Karnataka faction of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has publicly requested the resignation of Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader and has called for a judicial investigation into alleged corruption surrounding the installation of smart locks at the Legislators’ Home located in Bengaluru.
During a press conference held in Bengaluru, BJP MLA and State SC Morcha President Cement Manjunath asserted that a significant corruption scandal had transpired in the procurement and installation of smart door locks, overseen by the Speaker’s office. 'This issue warrants a judicial inquiry, and Speaker U.T. Khader should resign immediately,' Manjunath stated.
He contended that the Speaker’s office installed smart locks in 224 rooms of the Legislators’ Home without any formal requests from the MLAs. 'The locks were installed needlessly, and there is a stark difference between the actual market price and the billed amount,' he claimed.
According to Manjunath, a high-quality smart lock typically retails for around Rs 11,744, yet the billed price was Rs 49,300 per unit. 'For what they charged for one lock, three could have been acquired,' he added, presenting documents that highlighted comparative market prices.
Manjunath criticized the tender process, alleging that the contract was intentionally awarded to associates from the Speaker’s district, resulting in an inflated cost of nearly Rs 37,500 per unit. 'What transpired here is a clear case of financial mismanagement and misuse of public funds. Although we did not request these smart locks, they were installed, and the billed amount is excessively inflated. The market price is Rs 8,100, yet the bill indicates Rs 35,000. This is blatant corruption by the Speaker’s office,' he asserted.
He demanded that the Speaker clarify the alleged discrepancies involving large sums of money and reiterated the call for a judicial inquiry. 'The Speaker owes an explanation to the people of Karnataka regarding how these inflated bills were sanctioned,' he remarked, indicating that further actions would be determined following Khader’s clarification.
Moreover, he alleged that additional unnecessary expenditures had been made within the Assembly premises. Showcasing one of the installed locks during the press meet, he stated: 'They claimed the locks operated on lithium batteries; however, ordinary battery-operated ones were actually installed.'
Manjunath emphasized that public skepticism necessitates a proper explanation. 'Whenever public doubts arise, those in positions of authority must respond transparently,' he asserted. He mentioned that the rates he quoted included GST and urged the Speaker to verify market prices independently.
Former Speaker and BJP MP Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri is expected to file a formal complaint with the Governor concerning the suspected corruption, while the party leadership will decide on subsequent actions.
State SC Morcha General Secretary Mahendra Koutal, who also addressed the media, criticized Minister Priyank Kharge, accusing him of aiding the Bhim Army—an organization he alleged was attempting to hinder an RSS foot march in Chittapur. 'The Bhim Army is tarnishing the legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. It lacks genuine representation from the Dalit or Scheduled Tribe communities,' Koutal remarked.
He further accused individuals associated with the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) of participating in protests in Bengaluru and being active in Chittapur as well. 'Priyank Kharge should consider renaming the Bhim Army to the Minority Army or after religious figures,' he quipped.
MLA Chandru Lamani and State SC Morcha Office Secretary Prashanth Kumar were also present during the press conference.
Point of View
The unfolding events in Karnataka reflect a critical moment of governmental scrutiny. The allegations against Speaker U.T. Khader highlight the necessity for transparency and accountability within public office. As the BJP presses for a judicial inquiry, it underscores the importance of maintaining public trust in elected officials. This situation exemplifies the ongoing challenge of corruption in politics, calling for vigilant oversight and reform.
NationPress
20/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations against U.T. Khader?
U.T. Khader is accused of overseeing a corruption scandal involving the unnecessary installation of smart locks at the Legislators' Home, with inflated billing and lack of formal requests from MLAs.
What does the BJP demand?
The BJP is demanding Khader's resignation and a judicial inquiry into the procurement and installation of the smart locks.
What evidence has been presented?
BJP MLA Cement Manjunath presented documents showing discrepancies between market prices and billed amounts for the smart locks.
What is the market price of a smart lock?
The market price for a high-quality smart lock is around Rs 11,744, while the billed price per unit was Rs 49,300.
What further actions are expected from the BJP?
The party leadership will decide on the next steps following Khader's clarification, and a formal complaint will be submitted to the Governor regarding the alleged corruption.
