Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Contractors’ Association has accused 75 per cent of MLAs of demanding commissions in government works, alleging that contractors are unable to get work done without paying money.
Association president R Manjunath made the allegations against the Congress government at a joint press conference at the association’s central office in Chamarajapet, Bengaluru, on Wednesday.
Manjunath alleged that contractors now have to approach MLAs immediately after a tender is awarded and pay them a share once the project payment is released. He also claimed that commissions were higher under the Congress government than under the previous government.
The allegations came after Chief Minister D K Shivakumar had earlier asked people to call him if anyone demanded even Rs 10 as a bribe. The fresh allegations by the contractors’ association against government officials and MLAs have drawn attention in state political circles.
They get their share immediately after payment:
Speaking at the press conference, Manjunath made several allegations about the functioning of the Congress government, alleged commission demands by MLAs and pending bill payments.
He said MLAs earlier demanded money mainly during elections, but now 75 per cent of them were allegedly interfering in every government project.
“Once a tender is approved, contractors have to approach the MLA. As soon as the payment is received, their share has to be given to them,” he alleged.
He also alleged that contractors were being pressured for commissions through government officials and middlemen.
‘We will release the list if CM permits’:
Manjunath alleged that ministers were also receiving commissions and said payments had not yet reached some newly appointed ministers.
He claimed that, except for the departments of Minister Satish Jarkiholi and Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, commission transactions were taking place openly in all other departments.
“If Chief Minister D K Shivakumar gives us permission, we will release the complete list of those receiving commissions,” he said.
Manjunath also referred to former Karnataka State Contractors’ Association president Kempanna’s earlier allegation of 40 per cent commission during the BJP government.
He said Kempanna had made a mistake by making the allegation and claimed that former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had used it effectively for political purposes.
“We helped the Congress government come to power in the state. But the government is not listening to the problems of contractors,” Manjunath said.
‘Are MLAs ready to swear?’: Challenge
Manjunath challenged MLAs to take an oath that they had not taken commission.
“Let the MLAs come wherever they want and swear before God that they have not taken commission. We are ready to take the oath. Are the MLAs ready for this?” he asked.
He clarified that not all MLAs demand commissions, but alleged that 75 per cent of them seek commissions in tender-related works.
November deadline for state government to clear pending bills:
The contractors’ association said contractors were owed Rs 38,000 crore in pending bills across eight departments, including Water Resources, Public Works, Minor Irrigation and Housing.
Manjunath said the association had written to Chief Minister D K Shivakumar regarding the pending payments but had received no response.
The Karnataka State Contractors’ Association said it would give the government time until November to clear the pending bills. If the deadline was not met, it would release documents related to the alleged commission transactions.
‘We will make the payments’:
Responding to the issue, Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said works awarded during the tenure of former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa were being completed and bills had to be paid.
“Works given during Yediyurappa’s government are being completed and bills have to be paid. I will think about it. Contractors have to survive. Therefore, I will consider it soon,” Shivakumar said.
He also said those making allegations about percentage payments in government works should approach the Lokayukta.
“Let them complain to the Lokayukta. They should clearly state against whom the complaint has to be filed. An investigation will be conducted thereafter,” Shivakumar said.
