CM Bommai scotches allegations of Karnataka contractors who claimed 22k crores dues over 3 years

In a statement, the Karnataka State Contractors Association said that Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, all MPs, and MLAs were corrupt, alleging payment of Rs 22,000 crore for work done throughout the last three years was still pending.

Bengaluru: After meeting former Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Wednesday, a delegation of the Karnataka State Contractors' Association claimed that Rs 22,000 crore in dues is pending for the last three years. Speaking to the media, the President of the association, D Kempanna, alleged that everyone in the state, including the Chief Minister, was mired in corruption regarding a commission for work.

"All MLAs ask for 10 to 15 percent commission. The whole system is corrupt. All the ministers and MLAs are in the number one position. Everyone including Bommai is corrupt. In some places, there is 100 percent corruption. In some places, they have eaten up 100 percent without working at all.

There are situations where officials do not listen to the Chief Minister. We will provide a record after the investigation, but let there be a judicial investigation first. We will write to the Prime Minister again in 15 days," Kempanna said. Regarding the meeting with Siddaramaiah, he stated that the committee had not divulged any important details.

"Siddaramaiah will speak about the commission in the House. We did not tell him the name of any minister during the visit. No information has been given. Conduct a Judicial investigation and if it is not proven, punish whoever you want. We will produce the document only if there is a judicial investigation," he added.

The Chief Minister, however, said the allegations were baseless. "The association led by D Kempanna has not come to us. It is one of several such associations, and if they have any specific complaints, they can approach the Lokayukta. The Lokayukta has full freedom, it will investigate and we will take strict action against the guilty if any. Let them give a complaint, it will be investigated," he said.

"Everyone has the right to write a letter to the Prime Minister, but there also exists a complaint system. An investigation will be carried out if a complaint is filed," he added. Bommai further noted that the delegation had spoken to LoP Siddaramaiah before coming out with its statement. (With agency inputs)