Kumaraswamy Urges Unity Among Karnataka Contractors; Criticizes Minister Kharge
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Synopsis
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy criticizes Karnataka's Minister Kharge over unpaid vendor bills leading to threats of suicide. He urges contractors to unite and seek their dues, condemning the government's inefficiency and corruption.
Key Takeaways
- Kumaraswamy criticizes the government’s delay in clearing vendor payments.
- Contractors are urged to remain united to avoid exploitation.
- Vendors are encouraged not to lose hope despite challenges.
- Allegations of corruption in contract commissions are raised.
- Call for accountability from public representatives is reiterated.
Bengaluru, Jan 15 (NationPress) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy sharply criticized Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge regarding the alarming situation of vendors contemplating suicide due to unpaid dues.
In a strong response to media inquiries in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy stated, "Instead of issuing hollow statements, Minister Kharge should prioritize settling the outstanding payments owed to Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (KEONICS) vendors."
Kumaraswamy expressed frustration over the government's procrastination in clearing payments to contractors and vendors, labeling it as intentional.
"It’s evident what’s happening under this administration. Contractors must assertively pursue their rightful payments. They are not beggars. Numerous small-scale contractors have mortgaged family assets to fulfill project obligations and now face the risk of losing everything," he articulated.
Criticizing Kharge's remarks, Kumaraswamy advised, "Cease making unfounded excuses. This government has yet to issue the contractors' Letters of Credit (LoCs). Instead of blaming the previous administration, resolve the overdue payments."
"Having served as Chief Minister twice without causing distress to anyone, my counsel to contractors is to remain united. If divisions arise among you, the government will exploit that discord. Understand this clearly. Stop working for a year and allow them to recruit contractors from other states. Let’s see who manages to finish the tasks. Regardless, they aren’t allocating projects. You’re merely seeking the payments owed to you," he remarked.
The Union Minister urged vendors and contractors to maintain their hope.
"The government owes you your funds. Do not consider suicide. Why seek euthanasia? You’ve committed no wrong; the government holds the blame. Stand up against the government with courage. Remember, you are not beggars," he encouraged.
"Perform your work diligently on the projects you undertake. Do not entertain thoughts of suicide. Such a mentality is intolerable. If you’ve executed your duties correctly, why should you fear? Many officials and prominent contractors have received payments without completing any work," he added.
Addressing the alleged 60 percent commission in contracts, Kumaraswamy stated, "The Chief Minister requested proof. The interim president of the Contractors' Association has documented the percentages himself. Does the Chief Minister need additional evidence?"
To Minister Priyank Kharge and KEONICS leadership, he remarked, "Take action against those who have erred. Why penalize the innocent? Clear the debts of blameless vendors. Contemplate the consequences for them. If public officials engage in corrupt actions, they too must face repercussions. How long until the truth is uncovered? You are harming this state."
Kumaraswamy denounced the government’s inefficiency, stating, "You profess to fulfill your promises, guarantee schemes, and provide superior governance. Yet, you are falling short in basic tax collection. Tax revenue is Rs 62,424 crore below expectations. Despite increasing prices for petrol, diesel, electricity, transport, and liquor, you continue to fall short. Your administration is declining day by day."
Kumaraswamy accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of trying to "undermine" the Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities using the caste census report. "This issue transcends two communities. Siddaramaiah must clarify what he has accomplished for marginalized groups during his tenure," he insisted.
He further proposed, "Rather than concentrating on the number of individuals belonging to a specific caste, focus on the number who are impoverished. The government must illuminate who has benefited from welfare programs thus far and who has not."
Earlier, Minister Priyank Kharge, in response to allegations of harassment and a letter to President Droupadi Murmu regarding mercy killing by vendors linked to the government-owned Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (KEONICS), clarified that he is not accountable for irregularities from the prior BJP government in the state.
Vendors associated with KEONICS have written to President Droupadi Murmu, requesting consent for mercy killing.
They claim harassment from Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge and Congress MLA Sharath Bachegowda, who also acts as the Chairman of KEONICS.
The KEONICS Vendors' Association submitted a letter on Tuesday, asserting that their overdue payments have remained unsettled for over one-and-a-half years due to alleged personal vendettas.
The association stressed that 400 to 500 vendors have been significantly affected, impacting around 6,000 families.
They warned that if any vendors or their family members take their own lives, the responsibility will fall on Minister Kharge and MLA Bachegowda.
