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New Indian Express
26-06-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Minor changes in Karnataka govt by year end: Minister Jarkiholi
BELAGAVI: Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi stated on Thursday that only minor changes can be expected in the state government by the end of the year, ruling out any major reshuffle. Speaking to reporters, he clarified, 'I have not made any efforts to become KPCC president. Had I tried, I would have pursued it further. I am content with my current position. As you all know, no one is actively backing me from behind.' Responding to allegations by Congress legislators about not receiving funds from the Water Resources Department, he said, 'MLA Raju Kage has consistently raised concerns regarding irrigation issues. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is aware of the matter and will discuss it with Water Resources Minister D.K. Shivakumar.' 'Who claims the Water Resources Department has no funds?' he asked. 'The department currently holds Rs 25,000 crore. However, there are pending bills as well. Regardless of which government is in power, bills often remain unpaid for the first three years.'
India Today
26-06-2025
- Politics
- India Today
JD(S) leader lauds Congress MLAs for slamming own party over corruption claims
Janata Dal (S) MLA and floor leader in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly CB Suresh Babu has written letters of appreciation to three Congress MLAs — BR Patil, Raju Kage, and Belur Gopalkrishna — commending them for publicly criticising their own government over corruption in the Housing his letter to Congress MLA BR Patil, who is also the Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission, Suresh Babu lauded the MLA for raising his voice in the Karnataka Assembly against the Congress-led government, despite being part of the ruling party. Describing the act as a 'very significant stance', Babu said it reflected democratic values and the responsibilities of elected June 20, an audio clip allegedly featuring Congress MLA BR Patil surfaced, in which he accuses officials of the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation of large-scale corruption, including bribery in house allotments. Patil, also Deputy Chairman of the State Planning Commission, claimed his recommendations were ignored in favour of those who paid bribes. The clip, reportedly a conversation with Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan's aide Sarfaraz Khan, triggered political backlash. The letter further read, 'All of us who are elected under the democratic system are committed to fulfilling our duties for the development, progress, and overall upliftment of the people. Today, on behalf of your constituency's citizens, you have raised your voice against your own government regarding corruption in the Housing Department, even as a member of the ruling party. This is a very significant stance and is in alignment with the spirit of democracy.' advertisementSuresh Babu further added that all MLAs from the Janata Dal (Secular) 'morally support' Patil's 'pro-people fight' and said his actions 'strengthen the ideals of the Constitution and enhance its dignity'.The JD(S) leader addressed similar letters to Raju Kage and Belur Gopalkrishna, who had also spoken out on the issue. On June 23, Congress MLA Raju Kage threatened to resign over delays in implementing a Rs 25 crore development grant sanctioned two years ago for his Kagwad constituency. Kage expressed frustration over the lack of work orders and supported fellow MLA BR Patil, who alleged corruption in housing allotments. On the same day, MLC Belur Gopalkrishna demanded the resignation of Housing Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan following corruption allegations levelled by Congress MLA BR Patil. Speaking to the media, Gopalkrishna said a fair investigation was only possible if the Minister stepped down. 'A senior MLA has made serious accusations. The concerned Minister should resign and face a probe,' he call followed the leak of an audio clip in which Patil alleged bribes were taken for house allotments under the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation, and that his recommendations were ignored in favour of those who paid letters have drawn attention in political circles, highlighting growing tensions within the Congress over allegations of corruption in key departments and the rare instance of ruling party legislators being acknowledged by Opposition members for dissent.- Ends IN THIS STORY#Karnataka
Mint
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Rift in Karnataka Congress? MLAs allege govt ‘completely collapsed', CM Siddaramaiah to speak to legislators
Karnataka's ruling Congress party is grappling with growing unrest among its legislators amid allegations of bribery and administrative failures that have caused significant embarrassment to the government. Home Minister G Parameshwara expressed confidence on Wednesday that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would engage with disgruntled MLAs to resolve their grievances. "They (MLAs) have raised issues concerning their constituencies, but have they raised state-level issues? They have spoken about constituency-related problems and sought the timely release of funds for development work in their segments. The chief minister will resolve these matters," Parameshwara said in response to a question on whether internal issues were affecting the government. Several Congress legislators, including Raju Kage from Kagwad and B R Patil from Aland, have publicly criticised the government, citing delays in developmental work, stalled fund releases, and corruption in public housing allotments. Raju Kage has hinted at resigning, accusing the administration of having "completely collapsed" due to inefficiency and lack of responsiveness. Meanwhile, Aland MLA B R Patil's allegations of bribery in the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation have intensified the crisis, with Patil revealing in a leaked audio clip that nearly 950 houses were allotted through corrupt practices. Patil clarified that he did not name any minister directly but called for a thorough investigation into the housing board's operations. Sagar MLA Belur Gopalakrishna has demanded the resignation of Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan over the scandal, though Khan has denied any wrongdoing and expressed readiness for an inquiry. Responding to these developments, Home Minister Parameshwara stated that the concerns raised were primarily constituency-related and assured that the Chief Minister would address them. He highlighted that all MLAs have been instructed to prepare action plans for development works worth ₹ 50 crore in their constituencies, with funds promised even to opposition legislators. Speaking to reporters here, he said, 'All MLAs have already been instructed to prepare an action plan for development works worth ₹ 50 crore in their constituencies. The CM has himself assured that funds will also be provided to opposition MLAs. All MLAs, including me, are preparing an action plan for our constituencies. Can we do it without funds?' Parameshwara acknowledged some MLAs' frustration over the inaccessibility of ministers but maintained that such issues were common in any government and would be resolved through dialogue. The Karnataka minister also dismissed BJP's attempts to politicise the situation, urging a focus on future progress rather than revisiting historical controversies such as the Emergency. The political storm has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition BJP, with senior leaders alleging widespread corruption and predicting defections from Congress ranks
United News of India
24-06-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Karnataka Congress government exposed from within: BJP's Karandlaje
New Delhi, June 24 (UNI) BJP leader Shobha Karandlaje on Tuesday tore into the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government, calling it a regime 'exposed from within' — citing a chorus of disgruntled Congress MLAs who she claimed have publicly highlighted financial chaos, policy paralysis, and a government crumbling under its own weight. 'This is not the BJP saying it — it's Congress' own MLAs pulling the curtain back,' Karandlaje declared. 'If Chief Minister Siddaramaiah says there's no money, then Minister Dr G Parameshwara himself has admitted the treasury is empty. But in the same breath, he says Rs 50 crore has already been released. Really? To whom? If that's true, why is your own MLA, Raju Kage, still asking where the funds are?' Referring to a spate of recent statements, Karandlaje said the Congress is speaking in multiple, conflicting voices. 'Raju Kage said he received a letter two years ago promising Rs 25 crore. But not a single rupee has been released till date. He is so fed up that he says he's ready to resign. This is a government that doesn't even trust its own MLAs.' She didn't stop there. Turning the spotlight on senior Congress MLA Gopalakrishna, Karandlaje quoted his public grievance: 'Since becoming an MLA, I haven't been able to get even a drainage line or a kilometre of road done.' She quipped, 'Is this what the Congress MLAs have been reduced to — powerless spectators in their own constituencies?' The BJP leader also flagged shocking revelations from Congress MLA BR Patil. 'He says houses were allotted in his constituency but he doesn't even know to whom. There was no Gram Sabha decision, no urban council resolution. If even MLAs are kept in the dark, what transparency are they talking about?' Wrapping up her fiery remarks, Karandlaje said the Congress' façade of unity has crumbled, and what's visible now is a house divided. 'When your own legislators are threatening to quit, clueless about funds, and complaining of zero development — you don't need the BJP to expose you. You're doing it yourself. Karnataka deserves better.' UNI BDN RN
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Shettar demands resignation of CM, DCM based on rampant corruption charges
Belagavi: Lok Sabha member and former chief minister of Karnataka , Jagadish Shettar , said that corruption is rampant in the Congress govt. "The ruling party's MLAs and ministers are expressing dissatisfaction over this. There is no money for development works," he said and demanded that chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar should take moral responsibility and resign from power. Speaking to media in Belagavi on Monday, Shettar launched a scathing attack on the state govt over its administrative stance and the statements of MLAs and ministers. "The Upper Krishna Project requires Rs 50,000 crore for its third phase. If this project is completed in phases, thousands of hectares of land will be irrigated, benefiting farmers. However, the Upper Krishna Project was completely ignored by the govt. Thousands of crores of rupees are being spent on guarantee schemes, but no funds are being released for any other work. Even the ruling party's MLAs are extremely unhappy about this," he pointed out. "Corruption is rampant in the state govt's administration. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trending in in 2025: Local network access control [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo It is not known when the disgruntled Congress MLAs will leave the party. So this govt has no life and is certain to fall soon," he predicted. "The BJP no longer needs Operation Lotus. MLAs who are fed up with the Congress are considering leaving the party on their own," he said and added that there are many leaders in the Congress who admire Prime Minister Modi's political polarisation leadership, and it would not be surprising if political consolidation takes place in the future. CT Ravi seeks minister Zameer's resignation Speaking to the media on Monday, legislative council member CT Ravi said that the MLAs of that party have expressed dissatisfaction against the corruption in the state govt's rule. This dissatisfaction is not a private matter. This should be investigated under the leadership of the working judge. Before this, he said, minister Zameer Ahmed should resign. "There is no Congress without corruption. There is no corruption without Congress. The govt seems to think that giving guarantee schemes is akin to a license for corruption. If it thought so, it should have implemented rate cards in all departments, he said. Raju Kage is not a BJP MLA. He himself said that not a single paisa of work has been done by the govt. The price hike after the Congress govt came to power is a big deal. Work announcements are made. Work orders are not made. MLA Raju Kage has spoken the truth. You have three more years. Your own party is accused of corruption, you have no morals to continue in power, he lashed out.
