Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Sept 27: The Karnataka State Contractors Association (KSCA) has alleged in a written communication that corruption under the ruling Congress government in Karnataka has doubled compared to the previous BJP regime.

In a strongly-worded letter dated September 25 and addressed to chief minister Siddaramaiah, the KSCA detailed how various departments are engaging in corrupt practices, particularly in the awarding of contracts and the clearance of payments.

“When you were Leader of the Opposition, you told us that after you came to power, no commission (kickback) would be sought by your government to clear pending bills. We regret to inform you that the commission has doubled now compared with the previous government,” the letter stated.

Signed by KSCA president R Manjunath and general secretary G M Ravindra, the letter accused government agencies including Nirmiti Kendra and the Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (KRIDL) of awarding contracts to political workers and followers of elected representatives. These individuals, the KSCA claimed, then pass on the projects to senior contractors in exchange for a cut, affecting both transparency and quality.

“It’s difficult for us senior contractors to ensure quality when works are sub-contracted to us like this,” the letter added.

This is the first time the KSCA has formally submitted its accusations against the Congress-led government in writing. While similar concerns were voiced earlier by Manjunath in media interactions, this document adds official weight to the allegations.

In July 2021, under the BJP government, the same association had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi complaining about a so-called “40% commission” demanded by ministers, MLAs, and officials. The charge gained significant traction and was used by the Congress to attack the then-ruling BJP, eventually contributing to its defeat in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections.

“We’d like to bring to your notice that it was our fight against corruption that played some role in your government coming to power,” the latest letter noted.

The KSCA also expressed deep dissatisfaction over the non-clearance of dues amounting to Rs 32,000 crore, despite repeated promises from the government. “You’ve been giving us assurances and directing officials to act. Out of our respect for you, we’ve so far been patient with the hope that you would solve our problem. But until now, we have had no benefit from your government,” the letter stated.

The association criticised the current system for clearing bills, saying departments are ignoring seniority and instead using non-transparent criteria to release limited payments. “Only 15–20% of the pending bill amount is being cleared once in three months,” the KSCA claimed.

Furthermore, departments such as municipal administration, urban development, and labour were accused of manipulating tenders by converting them into larger “packages” to ensure they are awarded to favoured contractors. “Officials are exceeding their brief by converting tenders into packages so that they are awarded to powerful contractors of their choice,” the letter stated.

The KSCA also noted that the relevant ministers have failed to intervene or stop the malpractice.

With these detailed accusations now on record, the contractors’ body has placed the Siddaramaiah-led administration under scrutiny, demanding immediate action and transparency in the functioning of various public departments.