From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Oct 13: “The Income Tax raids in Bengaluru on the residences of contractors, who had alleged 40% commission in BBMP contracts during the previous BJP rule, that were carried out on Thursday are politically motivated,’’ claimed Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar in Bengaluru on Friday.
Speaking to media persons near his residence, he said the IT raids happen due to political reasons and without political motivation, they do not happen.
He said the IT raids are carried out not only in Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka but also in other States as well.
He, however, declined to comment on the charge that the 40% commission was routed through BBMP contractor Ambikapathy, who has been the target of the latest IT raids. “I do not have any information on that,’’ he said.
To a question on the allegation by former BJP minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayan that money is being routed from Karnataka to fund the elections in the five States, which are going to polls till November, Shivakumar said: “I don’t wish to comment on baseless comments by anybody.’’
The Deputy Chief Minister said the State Contractors Association President Kempanna’s contention that the plight of the contractors was worse than that of the farmers, need not worry.
“The government has already release payments for works of 60 to 70%,’’ he said GST payments must be deducted while clearing the bills. There is no exception, he said.
On the criticism of the BJP leaders regarding load-shedding in the State, Shivakumar said: “I have already clarified the position. The Chief Minister has convened a meeting to discuss the issue. I have details of the power generated during the BJP rule. I will give the details after the Chief Minister’s meeting.’’