Bengaluru, Jan 11 (NationPress) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, has asserted that the Congress government in Karnataka has instituted fixed rate cards for recruitment across all government roles.
He directly accused the State Revenue Department of implementing these fixed rate cards for every government position.
Addressing the media on Friday, the Union Minister emphasized that the Congress-led Karnataka government operates as a "60 per cent commission" regime.
"I have never commodified my signature to maintain power. However, this government is persistently engaged in selling signatures daily," he stated, targeting the Congress-led administration in the state.
"Having served as Chief Minister twice, I have never claimed to be a paragon of truth like Harishchandra. I acknowledge that elections require financial backing, but during my tenure, I never auctioned my signature. This government has commercialized every signature. Everything comes with a fixed rate card under this administration. I have previously raised this concern," Kumaraswamy claimed.
"Congress leaders and contractors have themselves leveled allegations of a 60 per cent commission. Why would contractors make such claims unless prompted for a percentage? The government should investigate these claims and gather evidence," he remarked.
He also criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, stating: "Siddaramaiah, who presents himself as a prominent leader, previously displayed 'Pay CM' posters during the BJP government. Has he since provided any evidence to the public? He merely references statements made by the late D. Kempanna, former President of the State Contractors' Association, but shouldn't Siddaramaiah have acquired evidence directly from Kempanna? Now, contractors are accusing the Congress government of a 60 per cent commission. What further proof does the government require? This looting must cease," he asserted.
In response to State Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda's claim that Kumaraswamy's accusations stem from frustration over his son's electoral loss, the Union Minister countered: "Whether I am frustrated or not is irrelevant. First, address the allegations regarding the 60 per cent commission."
"Is the Revenue Department operating transparently? How much money is being solicited for Bangalore AC positions? What are the fixed rates? Where does this money end up? Are we unaware of the corruption occurring there?" Kumaraswamy alleged, highlighting irregularities within the department.
When questioned about Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar's trip to Tamil Nadu for a "Shatru Samhara Puja" (ritual for enemy destruction), the Union Minister refrained from commenting, stating: "May God save everyone. While praying for power is common, I am unfamiliar with performing rituals aimed at enemy destruction."
He added, "Today marks Vaikuntha Ekadashi. It is believed that the gates of Vaikuntha open today. I prayed for God to bless everyone with goodness."
Regarding the dinner meeting of SC/ST legislators in Congress, Kumaraswamy remarked, "Some claimed they were discussing scholarships for SC and ST students. If such discussions are necessary, shouldn't they be conducted in the Cabinet rather than at a dinner? Why have a Cabinet if discussions occur during dinner parties?" he questioned, criticizing the Congress-led state government.
When asked about the ongoing power struggle within the Congress over the Chief Minister position, Kumaraswamy declined to comment, stating: "That is an internal matter for their party. Let them resolve it among themselves."
