Karnataka: Congress Establishes SIT to Investigate Allegations of 40% Commission Against Former BJP Government
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Synopsis
On April 11, the Congress government in Karnataka announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate allegations of a 40% commission against the previous BJP government. The SIT is to take action within two months, as concerns about public works irregularities come to light.
Key Takeaways
- Formation of a SIT by the Congress government in Karnataka.
- Investigation into 40% commission allegations against the former BJP government.
- Action mandated within two months.
- 1,729 public works flagged for discrepancies.
- Legal scrutiny of the NICE Road project.
Bengaluru, April 11 (NationPress) The Congress-led administration in Karnataka has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the allegations of a 40 per cent commission against the former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.
The SIT has been mandated to take concrete actions within a two-month timeframe.
During a press briefing at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil announced the formation of the SIT.
"The Cabinet of the state has resolved to create a SIT to investigate the allegations of 40 per cent commission previously raised against the BJP government," he stated.
He further mentioned that a commission of inquiry led by retired Justice H.N. Nagamohan Das was set up to examine the allegations brought forth by the contractors' association.
Once the commission presented its findings, the Cabinet reviewed the matter.
Details were discussed during the Cabinet session, and it was agreed that extensive discussions are still necessary.
Minister Patil remarked, "The government has gathered information based on complaints and compiled a report. Out of three lakh public works, 1,729 projects have been flagged with allegations. Discrepancies were found in project planning, fund disbursement, and issuance of Letters of Credit."
"The Cabinet evaluated the scope of the irregularities. In several instances, Bills surpassed the sanctioned amounts, and certain projects raised suspicion. There were also reports of intermediaries being involved during the tender allocation process. Given the gravity of the findings, the Cabinet decided to form a SIT," he added.
The SIT has been instructed to act within two months, according to Minister Patil.
Concerning the Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE) Road project, the Minister indicated that the issue was also addressed in the Cabinet meeting.
He noted that both the Supreme Court and High Court are currently handling cases related to the NICE Road project.
Decisions regarding the project's continuation cannot be made hastily, as it involves legal aspects that require careful consideration, the Minister stated.
A sub-committee will be established to further address the matter, he mentioned.
He also noted that the NICE Company has attempted to sell 1,699 acres of land to third parties through outright sales.
The Cabinet sub-committee will also make decisions regarding this issue. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will be responsible for forming the sub-committee, he added.
The Congress party had waged a significant campaign focusing on the 40 per cent commission allegations against the BJP during the Assembly election campaign.
Party leaders had emphasized this as a primary election issue.
This decision comes in light of allegations from contractors suggesting that Congress Ministers are soliciting commissions for the clearance of pending bills.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated that any contractor pressured to pay a commission for bill clearance should file a complaint with the Lokayukta.
He also clarified that Ministers Satish Jarkiholi and N. S. Boseraju were not implicated in such matters.
In response to media inquiries on Friday at the Vidhana Soudha, Deputy CM Shivakumar addressed the allegations made by contractors regarding demands for commissions for bill payments.
He asserted, "If anyone has been asked for a commission concerning bill payments, they should approach the Lokayukta. Why should contractors need to seek out Ministers for bill payments? Are they unaware of the department’s budget? If funds are lacking, how did they initiate the work in the first place?"
Shivakumar also remarked, "During the tenure of the BJP, contracts exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore were issued in just one of my departments. Now, requests are being funneled through MLAs to expedite these bill clearances."
He continued, "A year prior to the Assembly elections under the BJP government, we had cautioned contractors against commencing any works without budgetary allocation. Despite our warnings, they proceeded with the projects. Now, they are submitting petitions through political leaders for bill payments."
