200 percent correct: Karnataka LoP R Ashoka after state Contractors Association alleges middlemen interference

ANI April 11, 2025 233 views

Karnataka's political landscape is facing intense scrutiny as BJP leader R Ashoka dramatically accused the state government of systemic corruption. The Leader of Opposition claimed ministerial chambers have transformed into "collection centres" rather than development hubs. His allegations were backed by the Karnataka State Contractors Association, which reported widespread middlemen interference in government departments. The accusations suggest a deep-rooted problem of fund manipulation and unfair contractor payment practices that could potentially undermine state development efforts.

"They collect the money and send it to the high command because that their post must be retained." - R Ashoka
Bengaluru, April 11: After the president of the Karnataka State Contractors Association alleged growing interference by middlemen in government departments, BJP leader and LoP R Ashoka said that it is 200 per cent correct and there is no doubt at all.

Key Points

1

Karnataka contractors allege systemic corruption in government departments

2

Middlemen interference blocking fair payment to contractors

3

BJP leaders expose alleged corruption network in state government

Aiming at the Karnataka government, the BJP leader further alleged that the chambers of ministers have become "collection centres " as they no longer remain work or development centres.

"... Its 200 per cent correct. There is no doubt at all. In Vidhana Soudha, the chambers of all the ministers are the collection centres, not the work centre or development centre," R Ashoka told reporters.

Sharpening his attacks, the LoP alleged that ministers "collected money" and send it to the high command to retain their posts.

He said, "They collect the money and send it to the high command because that their post must be retained. Ministers were retained, the deputy CM was retained, and the congress president was retained. There is no development in Karnataka. They are looting the government's money. Congress leaders are also saying this..."

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also fiercely critiqued the Congress-led Karnataka government, accusing it of indulging in corruption.

Joshi told reporters, "They are doing deals. Their economic advisor has said that there is highest corruption in the Karnataka government. We haven't said this, they said it. So there is corruption. Congress always support corruption. It is their patent.

Earlier on Thursday, Karnataka State Contractors Association President R. Manjunath wrote a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah alleging that payments to contractors by the state government are not being made based on seniority.

In the letter, he mentioned that the interference of middlemen between contractors and government departments has increased significantly.

He stated that the government is supposed to release payments based on seniority as per the transparency law, but it is not doing so. "There are a total of 1.5 lakh contractors in the state, out of which 60% are small and medium-level contractors. These contractors are not receiving payments. Only influential contractors are being paid, and Manjunath questions, "How are the rest supposed to survive?," the letter reads.

In the letter to CM Siddaramaiah, he also alleges that middlemen are heavily involved in the release of funds in the Public Works Department, the four irrigation corporations, and the minor irrigation department. As a result, funds are not being released based on seniority in these departments.

Reader Comments

S
Sanjay P.
These are serious allegations! If true, it's a complete betrayal of public trust. The government needs to address these claims transparently instead of political mudslinging. #AccountabilityMatters
R
Rekha M.
As a small business owner, this hits close to home. When payments get delayed because of corruption, real people suffer. Hope CM Siddaramaiah takes action soon 🙏
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Arjun K.
While the allegations are concerning, I wish opposition leaders would provide concrete evidence instead of just making sensational statements. Both sides need to rise above politics for once.
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Priya D.
"200% correct" sounds more like political rhetoric than factual reporting. Media should verify claims before amplifying them. But the contractors' letter does seem concerning...
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Vikram S.
My uncle's construction company has been waiting for payments for 8 months! This system is broken. When will politicians stop treating public money like their personal ATM? 😡
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Neha R.
Interesting how both BJP and Congress are pointing fingers. Maybe instead of blaming each other, they could work on systemic reforms? Just a thought 💡

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Karnataka Politics R Ashoka Siddaramaiah BJP Corruption Contractors Association
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