Synopsis
Contractors from Karnataka took a holy dip at Sangam during Maha Kumbh Mela, praying for the clearance of pending bills by the Congress government. The event has sparked discussions on the financial struggles faced by contractors amidst political tensions over unpaid dues.Key Takeaways
- Contractors prayed for the clearance of pending bills.
- A viral video of the holy dip embarrassed the ruling party.
- Contractors claim payments are delayed due to unfair practices.
- Political tensions are rising over unpaid bills since 2023.
- Some contractors have sought help from national leaders.
Bengaluru, Feb 5 (NationPress) A collective of contractors from Karnataka immersed themselves in the holy waters of the Sangam in Prayagraj amidst the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, offering prayers for the swift clearance of their pending bills by the Congress-led state administration.
A video capturing this sacred event has gained considerable traction across social media platforms.
Reportedly, these contractors, originating from Bagalkot district in North Karnataka, are seeking divine assistance for the resolution of their outstanding payments and the initiation of new projects to bolster their operations. Their prayers culminated with the chanting of 'Har Har Mahadev.'
This viral video has embarrassed the ruling Congress party in Karnataka.
On January 13, the Karnataka Contractors’ Association reached out to seven state ministers, insisting on the prompt settlement of their overdue payments. They contended that the payment process was unfairly influenced by seniority, issuing a seven-day ultimatum for government action.
Since the Congress party took charge in Karnataka in 2023, tensions have heightened between the government and contractors over unpaid bills.
The State Contractors’ Association had previously approached former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, accusing the government of requiring a 15 percent commission on pending payments. They also contacted Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, alleging that numerous completed projects within the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and various assembly regions remain unpaid.
K.T. Manjunath, President of the BBMP Contractors’ Association, has claimed that Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar suspended bill payments and assembled a team to evaluate project execution.
In response, Shivakumar indicated that while outstanding bills amount to Rs 25,000 crore, only Rs 600 crore is currently available in funds. He insisted he would not be coerced by contractors and suggested he was aware of who was supporting them.
"We have received complaints that some bills were submitted for bogus works. The government will clear pending bills only for genuinely executed projects," he stated.
The prolonged delay in payments has pushed numerous contractors to the edge of financial ruin, with some resorting to writing to the President and Prime Minister, pleading for intervention or, in desperate circumstances, for mercy killing as an alternative to bankruptcy.
