Kumaraswamy Claims 60% Commission Demands by Karnataka Congress Government; Siddaramaiah Seeks Evidence

Bengaluru, Jan 7 (NationPress) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy has made serious allegations against the Congress-led Karnataka government, claiming that they are extorting 60% commission from contractors.

In response to these claims, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has challenged Kumaraswamy to provide evidence to back his accusations.

Kumaraswamy questioned, "Honorable Chief Minister, from where did the allegation of a 60% commission arise without any proof?"

He continued, "This statement came from contractors associated with your party, as well as Congress leaders from Tumakuru. They asserted that even the previous BJP administration was preferable to your government’s management.

These contractors have explicitly stated that the Congress government is also demanding a 40% commission. If there is no commission involved, why did they make such statements? Shouldn’t you have contacted them for clarification? Why haven’t you?"

Kumaraswamy sharply criticized Siddaramaiah, stating, "You now request proof for every accusation, yet during the tenure of the BJP government, your party made accusations about a 40% commission and even published advertisements in newspapers. What evidence did you provide at that time? Have you ever substantiated any of your political claims throughout your career?"

Referring to a contractor from Davangere who reportedly wrote to both the Chief Minister and the Governor seeking euthanasia due to unpaid dues, Kumaraswamy remarked, "Will you ensure that his payments are processed, or will you grant him a mercy killing? Put aside your greed for commissions and focus on saving that contractor first."

He mockingly referred to CM Siddaramaiah as "60% commission! Chief Minister Hit-and-Run!"

In response to Kumaraswamy’s assertion regarding the commission rate in the state, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah pointed out that during the previous Basavaraj Bommai government, the late president of the Contractors’ Association, Kempanna, had made similar allegations against the BJP.

Kempanna accused the BJP of demanding commissions, questioning what proof Kumaraswamy has to validate his claims.

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai joined the fray, criticizing the current Congress administration. He asserted that Siddaramaiah, who requests proof concerning the 60% commission allegations, should first clarify what evidence was provided when they accused the former BJP government of being a '40% government'.

Bommai stated that to this day, no proof has been presented.

Speaking to the media in Hubballi on Monday, he remarked that the state government is characterized by widespread corruption in every department.

"There is no developmental work taking place; corruption is rampant across all sectors. Individuals from all backgrounds, including contractors and ordinary citizens, are suffering due to corruption. The Chief Minister’s actions suggest an effort to conceal corruption," Bommai charged.

In response to Congress's claims of implementing guarantees while the BJP did nothing, Bommai highlighted initiatives from the BJP era. During former CM B.S. Yediyurappa's administration, free electricity for farmers' pump sets, the Bhagyalakshmi scheme for girls, and the Vidyanidhi scheme for children of farmers were introduced.

"Did Congress provide any of these? The BJP government has offered numerous benefits to ASHA and Anganwadi workers. What have they accomplished? Not even proper roads," Bommai stated.

When questioned about Congress's protests against Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Bommai noted that Congress's behavior during Ambedkar's era is well-documented among today's youth.

During a two-day discussion in Parliament, it became apparent that Congress is against the Constitution and Ambedkar. To distract from their wrongdoings, they are misrepresenting Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s comments. If they genuinely respect Ambedkar, they should apologize for the disrespect their senior leaders showed him.

The former Chief Minister also called for a comprehensive investigation into allegations involving Minister Priyank Kharge.