Is the Karnataka Government Engaging in Corruption through Illegal Tender Processes?
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Synopsis
Allegations of corruption are swirling around the Congress-led Karnataka government, with claims of illegal tender processes favoring specific firms. Senior BJP leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy exposes potential misuse of power and questions the legitimacy of awarded contracts. This intense scrutiny raises critical concerns about transparency in public procurement.
Key Takeaways
- Allegations of corruption surrounding the Karnataka government.
- Tenders issued unlawfully favoring specific firms.
- Concerns about the transparency of public procurement processes.
- Calls for accountability from government officials involved.
- Impact of these allegations on public trust and governance.
Bengaluru, May 5 (NationPress) The Congress-led Karnataka administration has been repeatedly accused of engaging in corrupt activities and issuing tenders unlawfully, favoring specific firms, claimed senior BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy.
During a press briefing at the Vidhana Soudha on Monday, he stated: “Tenders are being issued on the Karnataka Public Procurement Portal. During our administration, a tender for printing marks cards was set at Rs 9.45 per card. After this government took charge, a tender was issued by the Para-Medical Board at a staggering Rs 100 for one marks card. After negotiations, the price was lowered to Rs 91,” he remarked.
He continued to explain that as the issue gained attention, the government renegotiated and adjusted the prices to Rs 44 for a marks card, Rs 47 for a diploma certificate, and Rs 44 for an internship certificate. A work order was issued with these new rates on November 29 of the previous year, he mentioned.
The contract was awarded to Urdhva Management Private Limited, located in Sanjaynagar, Bengaluru. Upon discovering this, Narayanaswamy stated he wrote to the government secretary on January 8, highlighting breaches of the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act. “As of now, I have yet to receive any reply,” he added, pointing out that the financial bid was approved only on April 12, 2024, despite the work order being issued earlier.
He also displayed relevant letters and documentation.
In response to a query, Narayanaswamy explained that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of Medical Education Minister Sharanprakash Patil.
He alleged that the director of Urdhva Management Pvt. Ltd., Venkatareddy D. Patil, is either a close relative or associate of Minister Patil.
Narayanaswamy asserted that Urdhva Management is an event management firm with no previous experience in printing services. “They have never managed any printing tasks,” he alleged.
“Measures have been implemented to grant the tender to individuals favored by the minister. This is a blacklisted company with approximately 20-25 cases filed against it,” Narayanaswamy questioned how such a company could be granted a contract.
He further alleged that the tender was awarded without finalizing the financial bid.
“When we awarded the contract at Rs 9.45 per marks card, the total was Rs 2.45 lakh. However, in this current bid, they haven't even detailed the number of certificates to be printed—indicating they can later decide and print as many as they wish,” he stated.
“Despite sending two or three letters regarding this matter, I have yet to receive any response from the Chief Secretary or the relevant department,” he concluded.
Point of View
The allegations made by Chalavadi Narayanaswamy regarding the Karnataka government’s tender processes raise significant concerns about accountability and transparency. While such claims warrant investigation, it is crucial to approach the situation without bias. The integrity of public procurement must be upheld to maintain trust in government operations.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations against the Karnataka government?
Senior BJP leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy alleges that the Congress-led Karnataka government is engaging in corrupt practices by issuing tenders illegally and favoring specific firms.
Who is Chalavadi Narayanaswamy?
Chalavadi Narayanaswamy is a senior BJP leader and the Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council.
What is Urdhva Management Private Limited?
Urdhva Management Private Limited is a company based in Sanjaynagar, Bengaluru, which has been awarded a contract for printing certificates despite allegations of being blacklisted.
What is the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act?
The Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act (KTPP) aims to ensure transparency and fairness in public procurement processes in Karnataka.
What has been the response from the Karnataka government?
According to Narayanaswamy, he has not received any response from the Chief Secretary or the relevant department regarding his allegations.
