The Karnataka BJP on Thursday demanded that the Congress-led state government hand over corruption allegations to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), following Karnataka Upalokayukta Justice B. Veerappa’s statement claiming 63 per cent corruption across government departments. The remark triggered a major political controversy and put the Siddaramaiah government in a difficult position.
Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, addressing a press conference, said the Upalokayukta’s claim was a “matter of shame” for the ruling government. He challenged the Congress to show the same level of transparency it demanded from the previous BJP government, stating that if the state had formed an SIT for alleged “40 per cent commission” charges earlier, it should now order a CBI probe into the “63 per cent corruption” allegation. He further alleged widespread corruption across various departments, citing examples such as illegal land allotments, transformer scams, and misuse of welfare funds.
Ashoka accused the Congress of turning Karnataka into an “ATM for the High Command”, alleging that large sums were collected and sent during elections. He said the Upalokayukta’s remarks confirm the BJP’s long-standing claims about corruption under the Congress government. BJP leaders demanded that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his Cabinet take responsibility and resign.
Justice Veerappa’s statement, made at a book release event, highlighted that Karnataka currently stands fifth in the country in corruption, warning that the issue must be addressed urgently to prevent long-term damage.
