BJP Legislators Lodge Complaint with Lokayukta Against Karnataka Energy Minister Over Smart Meter Allegations
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Synopsis
On April 21, Bengaluru BJP MLAs, led by former Deputy Chief Minister C.N. Ashwath Narayan, submitted a complaint to the Lokayukta against Energy Minister K.J. George regarding an alleged smart meter scam, accusing him and others of legal violations and corruption.
Key Takeaways
- BJP MLAs filed a complaint against K.J. George.
- Accusations of corruption in smart meter project.
- Claims of legal violations regarding tender process.
- Allegations of forcing mandatory smart meters on consumers.
- Rajashree Electricals alleged to be a benami company.
Bengaluru, April 21 (NationPress) A group of BJP MLAs in Bengaluru, spearheaded by former Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and BJP MLA C.N. Ashwath Narayan, have lodged a formal complaint against the State Energy Minister K.J. George and others with the Karnataka Lokayukta on Monday concerning an alleged smart meter scam.
Among the complainants are Yelahanka MLA S.R. Vishwanath and Doddaballapur MLA Dheeraj Muniraju.
After submitting the complaint to the Lokayukta, Ashwath Narayan addressed the media, stating that they have accused Energy Minister George, Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta, BESCOM MD Mahantesh, Technical Directors Ramesh and Balaji, and others.
He claimed that they violated multiple legal norms to award a contract to M/s Rajashree Electricals Private Limited, a company primarily engaged in plumbing equipment manufacturing.
"There is no legal basis to mandate smart meters for consumers. Yet, they have been imposed. Furthermore, an agreement has been made with a blacklisted company," Ashwath Narayan asserted.
"Numerous allegations of irregularities in the smart meter initiative have been presented to the Lokayukta."
"We have submitted comprehensive details to the Lokayukta regarding the corruption involved. We have directly approached the Superintendent of Police of the Lokayukta and requested suitable action leading to a logical outcome. This complaint is aimed at combating corruption. Our battle has commenced," he stated.
He accused Energy Minister George of making nine false declarations.
"We have already uncovered this. There has been misuse, and despite the absence of legal requirements for making smart meters mandatory, they are being enforced," he replied to a question.
The complaint highlights that "the Board of Directors, Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM), the Chairman of BESCOM, Minister George, along with Additional Chief Secretary KPTCL Gaurav Gupta, former BESCOM MD Mahantesh Bilagi, and BESCOM Board officials have illicitly conspired to prepare the smart meter tender published on September 26, 2024."
"The smart meter tender released by BESCOM contravenes the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) guidelines, Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) regulations, the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) standard bidding documents guidelines, as well as various government orders issued by the Finance Department."
The BESCOM Board of Directors, while notifying the smart meter tender, allegedly misappropriated their powers to ensure that the tender was tailored to guarantee M/s Rajashree Electricals Private Ltd's success in securing it, according to the complaint.
"I have been informed that Rajashree Electricals is a benami company operated by associates or agents of Energy Minister K.J. George. However, it is crucial to investigate the connection between Rajashree Electricals and Minister George," Ashwath Narayan demanded.
MLA S.R. Vishwanath, BJP Yuva Morcha State President and MLA Dheeraj Muniraju, Bengaluru South District President and MLA C.K. Ramamurthy, Bengaluru North District President S. Harish, and Bengaluru Central District President Saptagiri Gowda were also present.
