Is the K'taka government being run by commission mafia agents?

Bengaluru, June 24 (NationPress) The BJP has sharply criticized the Karnataka government, alleging it is being manipulated by commission mafia agents amid corruption claims and discontent among its own MLAs. During a press conference at the party's headquarters in Bengaluru, Karnataka BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra asserted that every department of the Karnataka government has become a hub for corruption.

“No work can be accomplished from the Secretariat to the Gram Panchayat offices without a bribe,” Vijayendra declared.

He accused the government of enabling the commission mafia, asserting, “This administration is being run by the agents of the commission mafia. Siddaramaiah is turning a blind eye to all this just to keep his position as Chief Minister.”

Vijayendra referenced a purported comment from Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, made during a review meeting with officials, where he allegedly remarked, “Why are your stomachs burning? Just publish your rate list.”

He also recalled Home Minister G. Parameshwara’s recent statement in Badami, where he reportedly said, “Sidramanna (CM Siddaramaiah) does not have funds; please refrain from requesting financial assistance.”

“This indicates that the Chief Minister, via his Home Minister, is signaling to Congress MLAs that the treasury is empty and they should avoid asking for grants,” Vijayendra noted.

He further charged that CM Siddaramaiah is exploiting the state to overshadow the developmental legacy of former CM Devaraj Urs.

“There is no progress in the state. Work cannot proceed without bribes. This clearly shows the Chief Minister has lost all control over governance,” he stated.

“Despite allegations from Congress MLA B.R. Patil, CM Siddaramaiah has not demanded the resignation of Housing Minister Zameer Khan. Home Minister Parameshwara has trivialized the issue, claiming it’s inappropriate to hold the government accountable for corruption. Is this how a responsible Home Minister should behave?” he questioned.

Vijayendra expressed alarm over the pervasive corruption throughout the state.

“Even after finishing house construction in Bengaluru, residents struggle to obtain NOCs. They resort to using generators to enter their new homes. This reflects the dismal condition of the government,” he said.

Vijayendra highlighted that even Congress MLAs are disillusioned with the current situation.

“Senior MLA and Deputy Chairman of the State Policy and Planning Board B.R. Patil, a close ally of the Chief Minister, has openly discussed the Housing Department scandal, asserting that even the underprivileged cannot secure housing approvals without bribery,” he pointed out.

He remarked that MLA Patil has made it clear he will not back down from allegations of discrepancies in the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation. “Other MLAs are expected to voice similar concerns about these scams soon,” he added.

He directly challenged CM Siddaramaiah: “What is your response to the comments made by MLAs B.R. Patil, Raju Kage, and N. Y. Gopalakrishna? The people of Karnataka deserve transparency.”

He also referenced MLA Raju Kage, who stated that he had to pay to get a work order approved, and that projects with foundation stones laid two years ago remain stagnant because work orders are not issued without kickbacks. “This is not the first time he’s expressed discontent with the Chief Minister,” Vijayendra remarked.

Molakalmuru MLA N.Y. Gopalakrishna, a close associate of the CM, reportedly stated that not a single drain or school has been constructed in his constituency.

“When MLAs from the ruling party who are allied with the Chief Minister make such statements, it raises significant concerns — does a functional government even exist in the state?” he asked.

Vijayendra charged CM Siddaramaiah with intentionally targeting his own ministers to protect his position. “This is why former minister Nagendra was ensnared,” he claimed.

He also mentioned the President of the Peenya Industrial Area Manufacturers’ Association, who allegedly stated that due to the lack of development, industries are contemplating relocating to Tamil Nadu. Vijayendra noted that this reflects the poor management of the state.