Synopsis
The political landscape in Karnataka is rife with allegations of commission corruption, with reports indicating a 40% commission linked to the former BJP government and counterclaims of 60% by the current Congress administration. The Justice H.N. Nagmohan Das Commission's findings are set to fuel a major political debate.Key Takeaways
- The commission allegations involve a 40% commission against the former BJP government.
- The current Congress government faces accusations of a 60% commission.
- Union Minister Pralhad Joshi questions the legitimacy of the probe.
- State officials defend their administration against the accusations.
- The Justice Nagmohan Das Commission's report spans 20,000 pages.
Bengaluru, March 13 (NationPress) The battle over commission allegations has escalated in Karnataka after the release of a report by the Justice H.N. Nagmohan Das Commission regarding the alleged 40 per cent commission purportedly imposed by the former BJP administration in the state.
In retaliation, the Karnataka BJP faction has initiated a poster campaign, accusing the Congress-led government under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of demanding a 60 per cent commission.
On the social media platform X, the Karnataka BJP posted a motion graphic with the tagline "Just loot it; flat 60 per cent Commission", showcasing an image of CM Siddaramaiah. The slogan was labeled "All day, all night – just loot it".
Commenting on the presentation of the investigation report concerning the 40 per cent commission allegations, Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi stated in Hubballi on Thursday that the investigation should be impartial and that the report ought to be presented in the House.
Questioning the probe conducted by the Commission, Union Minister Joshi queried, "To whom have you issued notices? As far as we are aware, no one has received a notice. Those accused have not been served notices. First, issue the notices."
"Once we receive the notice, we will provide our response. We are not intimidated by idle threats," he asserted.
In response to the situation, State Women and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar remarked that while the BJP is entitled to voice allegations, the Commission led by Justice Nagmohan Das has already submitted its report on the 40 per cent commission accusation against the BJP government.
"The Cabinet is anticipated to deliberate on this matter today," she added.
"I would like to point out that BJP leaders invoke the name of Lord Ram, yet their actions mirror those of Ravan. As the BJP lacks genuine issues, they resort to making unfounded allegations," Minister Hebbalkar noted.
"We are unaware of any 40 per cent or 60 per cent plunder. We made commitments to the public before the elections, and we are honoring them. We have ensured that our five guarantees reach the citizens effectively. Our focus remains on our work, and we do not pay heed to such allegations," she continued.
Addressing the matter, BJP MLA from Yelahanka, S.R. Vishwanath, asserted that the 40 per cent commission claims against the former BJP government are untrue.
"Prior to the elections, the late D. Kempanna, then President of the Karnataka State Contractors' Association, leveled these accusations against the BJP government. The Congress transformed it into a significant election issue and won the Assembly elections," he explained.
"The Justice Nagmohan Das Committee has now presented a report. We have no knowledge of its contents. How can anyone earn a 40 per cent commission? The late Kempanna was an elderly man when he made these claims, and at that time, he was not actively engaged in contract work," Vishwanath added.
"Recently, the Contractors' Association also accused the current Congress-led administration of demanding a 60 per cent commission. Let them investigate and clarify how they supposedly collect 40 per cent. If you take Rs 40 from every Rs 100, how will contractors generate any profit? Even 25 per cent of the work would not get completed," he questioned.
"In my opinion, the late Kempanna made erroneous allegations. Once the facts emerge, we will address them both within and outside the Assembly," Vishwanath concluded.
The Justice Nagmohan Das Inquiry Commission has submitted its findings on the allegations presented by the State Contractors' Association. The report, including annexures, spans 20,000 pages and has been delivered to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
The commission investigated complaints from the contractors' association regarding the alleged existence of more than a 40 per cent commission in government contracts.
The association also requested an inquiry into other irregularities, including the lack of transparency in contract allocations.
The Commission took into account complaints and submissions from the public as well.
In addition to the allegations made by the contractors' association, the state government instructed the commission to examine all works undertaken and completed between July 26, 2019, and March 31, 2023, across five key departments.
The inquiry encompassed all districts, various project types, and different budget allocations.
The findings of the Justice Nagmohan Das Commission are predicted to ignite a substantial political debate in the state.
