Bengaluru, Dec 4 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP faction has called for a thorough investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding the claims of 63 percent corruption during the Congress-led administration.

Statements made by Karnataka Upalokayukta Justice B. Veerappa concerning the extensive corruption in the state sparked significant controversy on Thursday, putting the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in a challenging position.

During a press conference at the BJP state headquarters, Jagannath Bhavan, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka remarked: "The Upalokayukta Justice's statement about 63 percent corruption in the government represents a disgraceful ritual for the administration. If the government possesses any dignity, it should be dissolved immediately."

"You established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into allegations of a 40 percent commission against us. What SIT will you create for the 63 percent corruption? If you have the guts, hand over the probe to the CBI," he challenged.

He further claimed that corruption issues must be brought to light in each department.

Opposition leader Ashoka accused the Chairman of the Bhovi Corporation of demanding a commission of Rs 25 lakh per acre.

He pointed out that Rs 187 crore from the Valmiki Tribal Welfare Development Corporation had been funneled into around 700 accounts and utilized for the Bellary elections, and investigations are ongoing, leading to the resignation of Karnataka's Scheduled Tribes Welfare Minister B. Nagendra.

On the Mysuru Urban Development Authority scandal, BJP leader Ashoka stated that 14 plots were improperly allocated and later returned.

"A video circulating on social media alleges that bar licenses cost Rs 20 lakh. There’s a Rs 90 crore scam concerning transformers. A garbage machine valued at Rs 98 lakh is being rented for Rs 2.5 crore. This is not serving the public but rather private interests," he asserted.

He also mentioned that Karnataka has turned into an ATM for the Congress High Command.

"Only those who pay Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi can access power here," he alleged.

He claimed that individuals who contribute more to the Gandhis remain in their positions.

"Recently, nearly Rs 300 crore from Karnataka was sent for the Bihar elections after breakfast meetings with Ministers, where the funds were collected. MLA 'Pappi' reportedly had 50 kg of gold; multiple individuals are still incarcerated," he stated, emphasizing that corruption is a family tradition of the Congress.

"When the MUDA scandal, worth Rs 3,000 crore, and the Valmiki Corporation scam surfaced, we initiated large protests. At that time, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah demanded evidence from us. Now, the sitting Upalokayukta himself has described this government as 'Alibaba and 34 thieves' involved in 63 percent corruption," BJP leader Ashoka noted.

"We previously stated that this Congress-led Karnataka government has 60 percent corruption. Now, the very judge appointed as Upalokayukta by this government has echoed the same sentiment. On stage, everyone—judges and advocates—agreed that nothing occurs without a commission, and Karnataka now ranks fifth in corruption," he added.

He recalled earlier instances where posters labeling Siddaramaiah as a “Pay CM” were put up.

"Now, posters should be placed on your faces," he stated while criticizing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Addressing the 63 percent corruption allegation, BJP leader Ashoka asserted that Siddaramaiah and his Cabinet ought to feel embarrassed.

"They (the Karnataka government) are putting on a performance of corruption," he claimed.

Also present during the press conference were Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy and state spokesperson Prakash.

The Upalokayukta's assertion that corruption in Karnataka stands at 63 percent has placed the state government on the defensive, with the Bharatiya Janata Party launching a fierce attack on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, demanding their resignations following this revelation.

At a book launch event, Justice Veerappa remarked that Kerala experiences about 10 percent corruption presently, while Karnataka stands at 63 percent.

He added, "I have the opportunity to witness this firsthand since becoming the Upalokayukta."

He also mentioned, "Corruption is widespread across every department in Karnataka. Currently, Karnataka ranks fifth in corruption. If this issue is not addressed promptly, it will jeopardize the future undoubtedly."

His statements were made on Wednesday during the release of the book "Overseas Travelogue" by advocate Tulavanuru Shankarappa at the High Court Advocates' Auditorium, attracting considerable attention.