Tender kickback row hits ruling BJP in K'taka, Bommai orders probe
Bengaluru
26-November-2021

PHOTO: IANS
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, who is facing yet another challenge of defending his government on major allegations of forcing contractors to pay off 40 per cent kickbacks, has ordered a comprehensive probe into the matter.
Karnataka Contractors' Association has shot off a letter to the PMO alleging that they are being "tortured" by politicians and bureaucrats for 40 per cent kickbacks in all major projects of various government departments.
A delegation of the Congress leaders led by state President D.K. Shivakumar and Opposition leader Siddaramaiah met Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Thursday and demanded for invoking the President's Rule in the state alleging rampant corruption.
The delegation also cited the letter shot off to the PMO office with 40 per cent kickback allegations by the Contractors' Association and previous charges levelled against the ruling BJP by Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister K.S. Eshwarappa during the present government and BJP MLA Basavanagouda Patil Yatnal during the tenure of B.S. Yediyurappa.
"Two committees headed by retired Judges would be constituted to scrutinise the tender estimates and conditions in accordance with the decision taken by the state cabinet, Chief Minister Bommai said.
"The Chief Secretary has been instructed to take appropriate action if any irregularities have been committed in the tender process. I have instructed for special scrutiny into the tenders which have been finalised after I assumed office as the Chief Minister," he stated.
Watch This TWL Video
"I have ordered for bringing a system that generates the bills automatically based on the work executed by the contractors and the seniority. Tenders should be completed within the set timeframe as any delay gives scope for suspicion," he said.
Any irregularities in the tender process would come out during the scrutiny. Though the recent letter written by the contractors to the Prime Minister in this regard does not contain any specific information, a probe has been ordered to ensure transparency, Bommai said.
According to sources, the PMO has sought an inquiry into the allegations and the inquiry is being ordered as per the instructions from the Central government. -IANS
More Headlines
AI Cybersecurity Startup Neural Defend Raises $600K in Pre-Seed Round
Chennai Doctor and Family Found Dead Amid ₹5 Crore Business Loss
Karnataka Withdraws CID Probe in Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Case
New Kerala Guv Strikes Cordial Tone, Hosts CM Vijayan And FM Sitharaman In Delhi
Digital Payments Surge in India: 18,120 Crore Transactions in FY24-25
AI Cybersecurity Startup Neural Defend Raises $600K in Pre-Seed Round
Chennai Doctor and Family Found Dead Amid ₹5 Crore Business Loss
Karnataka Withdraws CID Probe in Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Case
New Kerala Guv Strikes Cordial Tone, Hosts CM Vijayan And FM Sitharaman In Delhi
Digital Payments Surge in India: 18,120 Crore Transactions in FY24-25