Has a Complaint Been Filed with K'taka Governor to Investigate Congress MLA's Housing Scam Claims?

Bengaluru, June 23 (NationPress) A complaint has been submitted to Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, calling for a thorough investigation by a dedicated agency and invoking the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, against the involved minister and officials in connection with the alleged housing scam.

This complaint stems from a public assertion made by Congress MLA and Deputy Chairman of the Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission, B.R. Patil, who claimed that housing allocations are being made in exchange for bribes.

Social activist Dinesh Kallahalli filed this complaint on Monday.

"It is imperative for the Governor to utilize his constitutional powers and provide explicit directions to the government, mandating an investigation by an impartial agency capable of operating independently from the government—such as the Lokayukta or a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under judicial oversight," Kallahalli stated.

The complaint continues, "This submission is grounded in a public declaration made by MLA B.R. Patil, concerning widespread corruption, illegal housing distributions, and the misuse of public resources in the Housing Department of the Government of Karnataka."

During his statement, MLA Patil accused that houses are being allocated solely to individuals who offer bribes. This action breaches the Constitution, violates public rights, and constitutes a serious legal infraction under the Prevention of Corruption Act, according to the complainant.

Kallahalli insisted, "In accordance with Articles 153 to 162 of the Constitution of India, particularly under Article 163(1), the Governor serves as the constitutional leader of the state and bears the primary responsibility of ensuring administrative accountability, discipline, and integrity in governance, either upon the advice of the Council of Ministers or through discretionary powers when warranted. When it becomes clear that any governmental department operates against the public interest, or in cases involving public fund misuse and corruption allegations, it is both the constitutional right and duty of the Governor to intervene and initiate suitable investigative actions."

He remarked that the Deputy Chairman of the State Policy and Planning Commission has openly leveled these accusations against his own government, significantly damaging the integrity and transparency of the administration as well as public trust in government services. "This is not merely an internal viewpoint; it is a matter of significant public concern," he criticized.

"MLA B.R. Patil has publicly made alarming allegations against the state's Housing Department. According to him, under the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme, it is widely accepted that housing is awarded exclusively to those who pay bribes," he noted.

"While the declared aim of the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme is to provide housing for the impoverished and eligible recipients, under the current framework, housing approvals are granted only to applicants who bribe. Those eligible who meet the government's criteria but lack political influence or monetary means are being unjustly overlooked," Kallahalli stated.

The social activist emphasized that MLA Patil has clearly articulated that deserving beneficiaries are being denied their rightful housing merely due to their inability to pay bribes. This assertion indicates that government-run free or subsidized housing initiatives violate their foundational principles of "social justice" and "economic equality," he highlighted.

The controversy intensified after an audio clip emerged on Friday, featuring MLA B.R. Patil, in which he alleged pervasive corruption within the housing department, asserting that revealing his information could shake the very foundation of the Congress-led government.

Last Saturday, MLA Patil declared that the alleged audio clip, which points to widespread corruption in the Housing Department, is genuine and that the claims made are accurate.

MLA Patil stated, "The audio clip regarding corruption in the Housing Department is authentic. It’s my voice. I have only spoken the truth. Yes, it’s my audio. Allotments are not being made based on my recommendations. Corruption has persisted throughout all administrations. Nevertheless, our government came into power with a commitment to deliver transparent and citizen-centric governance."

Patil urged the state government to conduct an inquiry based on his assertions.

In response to these developments, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar condemned Patil’s remarks about corruption in the Housing Department.

The Karnataka BJP unit has called for a judicial inquiry into the allegations and has urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to demand the resignation of Housing Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan.