Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Oct 30: Advocate and BJP Mangaluru Mandal general secretary Mohan Raj K R has alleged that Speaker U T Khader’s involvement in corruption under the pretext of upgrading legislators’ houses has brought disrepute to both the people of Dakshina Kannada district and the honourable constitutional office he represents.
Addressing a press conference at Ullal Press Club, Mohan Raj said that such corruption by a legislator is unprecedented and has tarnished the reputation of the constituency. He demanded that Khader resign from his post until the judicial investigation into the case is completed.
He questioned why the development works of legislators’ quarters were carried out in a hurry under the 4G exemption clause, even after the finance department had objected to the proposal. “It is a serious matter that the chief minister himself approved the project despite the rejection. The 4G exemption is meant for emergency or disaster situations, not for developing already well-equipped legislators’ quarters. On what grounds was this exemption obtained?” he asked.
Mohan Raj further stated that tender procedures and standard norms were ignored, and public tax money was misused. “It is unclear on what basis the Chief Secretary approved such a project,” he added.
He also pointed out irregularities in procurement, stating that despite Bengaluru having access to all modern technology suppliers, materials for the legislators’ quarters in Bengaluru were purchased from a firm based in Pumpwell, Mangaluru — Askin Automation Pvt. Ltd., located in Onyx Gold Palace. Items such as smart door locks (costing Rs 16,000 online but billed at Rs 49,000), smart safes (Rs 9,000 priced at Rs 35,000), and smart energy monitoring solutions (Rs 90,500) were supplied, totalling Rs 2.99 crore — nearly three times their actual value, he alleged.
He also alleged misuse of funds at the Vidhana Soudha, stating that Rs 1 crore per day was spent on a three-day book fair, showing blatant misuse of public money for personal gains.
“Instead of mocking those who raise allegations, face the investigation,” he said, criticising Block Congress president Ramesh Shetty Boliyar for using the term ‘mental disorder’ against BJP leaders. “It seems you are the one suffering from delusion, given the corruption in Vidhana Soudha,” he remarked.
Mohan Raj accused contractors of outsourcing government projects to third parties, leading to substandard work. “The second face of Speaker U T Khader has now been exposed. This is a major stain in history. When similar allegations were raised against Udupi MP Kota Srinivas Poojary, he himself approached the Lokayukta for an inquiry. If Khader is innocent, he should do the same,” he demanded.
Speaking on the occasion, Jagdish Alva Kuvettabail, president of BJP Mangaluru Assembly Constituency, alleged that works were carried out without tenders and that in Ullal constituency, contractors handed over projects to their associates, resulting in poor-quality work. “Even drinking water project works have left the roads in a dilapidated condition. Until the investigation is complete, the Speaker must resign,” he urged.
BJP Mangaluru Mandal spokesperson Dayanand Tokkottu, vice presidents Suresh Alva and Hukrappa Naik were present at the press meet.