From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Jan 7: Responding to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s challenge to provide proof for his 60% commission charge against the Congress government, JD(S) leader and Union Industries Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Tuesday cited media reports as “testimony for loot”.
“Give evidence... You are asking me to provide evidence... Well, Honorable @siddaramaiah, your 'guarantee' government is the loot's testimony. The journalists themselves have revealed the truth of your loot!” Kumaraswamy said in a post on X.
Kumaraswamy alleged that the Siddaramaiah government was “looting crores in the name of guarantees,” claiming that contractors were owed Rs 32,000 crore in unpaid bills. “Your percentage cut is included in that,” he added.
He further stated, “Contractors who worked after borrowing loans and completing projects are now sending in applications for mercy killing.” Quoting media reports, the Union Minister listed the pending contractor bills:
- Water Resources: Rs 14,600 crore
- Public Works: Rs 10,000 crore
- Rural Development & Panchayat Raj: Rs 3,100 crore
- Minor Irrigation: Rs 2,800 crore
- Other Departments: Rs 1,500 crore
Total: Rs 32,000 crore
“Why this betrayal? Fix the mistakes you have made. Justifying it without reason is not acceptable. Save the contractors' lives and focus on the state's development. I have said it as it is. What use is it if you or your cabinet members target me instead of focusing on paying the contractors' pending bills?” he said, criticizing the government for its “60PercentCommission.”