Practice of 40% kickbacks continues under Congress govt, alleges Karnataka contractors


PTI, Feb 8, 2024, 8:46 PM IST

Bengaluru: Karnataka State Contractors’ Association president D Kempanna on Thursday alleged that the practice of 40 per cent kickbacks on government contracts continues even under the Congress regime.

Accusing officials in the state government of rampant corruption, he said, earlier (during the previous BJP regime) public representatives were demanding bribes, now it’s their turn.

“Corruption is on in Karnataka by the officials. Till now no MLA, MP or Minister has asked us for money. Earlier MLAs used to ask for a specified amount to give us a contract for work, that is not the situation now. Now the officials come and ask — give money, if you want work,” Kempanna said.

Speaking to reporters here, he added, “When we ask as to whom the money should be given, they (officials) say — why do you want it (to know)? If you want the work, give money.”

The Association had under the leadership of Kempanna earlier alleged “harassment” by ministers, elected representatives and others during the previous BJP regime, accusing them of demanding 40 per cent commission for awarding contracts and clearing bills, and had even written a letter to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in this regard..

During the 2023 Assembly polls, the Congress had made the Association’s charge a major campaign issue to dub the BJP as being “corrupt”. This was seen as one of the key factors that led to BJP’s debacle in the elections.

Asked to reveal the identity of the officials who were demanding bribes, Kempanna said, “I’m already facing five defamation cases, so I don’t want to reveal the names of the officials as of now.” “Such officials are there in all the departments,” he said. ” (some) officials are very worst, they are corrupt officials, whether it is in BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) or PWD (Public Works Department) or Irrigation department. The arrogance of officials has reached its height, we are fighting against it.”

Asked how much commission is being demanded now, Kempanna, who had levelled the 40 per cent kickbacks charge against the previous BJP government, said: “the same 40 per cent commission has continued, because of officials.” “If officials are not controlled, the government in no way will get a good name….officials seem to be controlling things,” he added.

“Package system” is being followed to take up projects in all departments, Kempanna said. “This is being done with the intention to keep away local contractors and favour contractors from neighboring states. Due to the package system, local, small-medium contractors of the state are facing problems as they are not getting the work.”

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Delhi court stays defamation case against CM Atishi

Awards don’t create value for independent films in India: Manoj Bajpayee

Public Alert: Cyber fraudsters impersonating traffic police to demand fines

UP: 25 people booked for attacking civic officials for encroachment removal

SC transfers cheating case against choreographer Remo D’Souza to Delhi court

Fishing vessel collides with naval platform off Goa coast; 2 fishermen missing

‘Nation First’ key to India’s progress, says President Murmu

Related Articles More

Karnataka bypolls: Outcome crucial for both ruling and oppn camps

Belagavi: Was youth killed for an iPhone? Police launch intensive probe

K’taka Health Minister calls for collaborative efforts to combat Antimicrobial Resistance

Public Alert: Cyber fraudsters impersonating traffic police to demand fines

Centre releases 15th Finance Commission grant for rural local bodies in Karnataka

MUST WATCH

Christmas Cake Fruit Mixing

DK Shivakumar

Rose Cultivation

Geethotsava

Naxal Operation


Latest Additions

Delhi court stays defamation case against CM Atishi

Sambhal Jama Masjid row: Friday prayers held peacefully amid tight security

Honouring ex-NASA scientist’s last wish, family donates ancestral house to Meerut varsity

Decide on disqualification petitions against BRS MLAs in reasonable time: HC

Air India to offer integrated aircraft maintenance engineering programme

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.