Karnataka BJP demands apology from Congress over false corruption allegations

The BJP in Karnataka asserted on Sunday that the Lokayukta probe has cleared its previous government of the 40 per cent commission allegations, branding the Congress accusations as "completely false." Party leaders claim the charges were part of a "toolkit" strategy by Congress during the 2023 Assembly elections, which they used to target the BJP government led by Basavaraj Bommai.

Leader of Opposition R Ashoka stated that the accusations originated from unemployed contractors manipulated by Congress leaders to tarnish the BJP’s image. He cited the example of contractor R Ambikapathy, who, according to Ashoka, had not undertaken any government work for six years, invalidating his claims of having paid commissions.

"Today, BJP workers feel vindicated," said Ashoka. "The Congress used the state contractors’ association to fabricate these charges. Despite being in power for 16 months, the Congress government has not been able to substantiate their allegations in court."

The BJP also accused the Congress-led government of being a "60 per cent commission government," alleging scams in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation and the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). "We provided evidence for our claims. Congress made baseless accusations without proof," Ashoka declared.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa welcomed the Lokayukta’s findings, urging Congress leaders to refrain from making false allegations. "This proves that the Congress’ 40 per cent commission campaign was politically motivated and baseless," he said in Shivamogga.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi echoed these sentiments, demanding an apology from the Congress. "From the start, we have maintained that these allegations are false. Now the Lokayukta has vindicated us," Joshi said.

However, Congress leaders have dismissed BJP’s claims, with Home Minister G Parameshwara questioning their basis. He contended that the Congress’ victory in the Assembly elections was driven by guarantee schemes and public welfare initiatives, not solely by corruption allegations. He added, "The state contractors’ association wrote to the Prime Minister about the corruption under the BJP government. Congress raised these issues in the public interest."