Karnataka Contractors’ Association Alleges Corruption Has Doubled Under Congress Rule

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Sep 28, 2025: The Karnataka State Contractors’ Association (KSCA) has accused the Congress-led state government of demanding commissions twice as high as those under the previous BJP regime.

In a strongly worded letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on September 25, KSCA alleged that despite earlier assurances, contractors are now forced to pay higher kickbacks to clear pending bills. “The commission has doubled compared with the previous government,” the letter signed by KSCA president R Manjunath and general secretary G M Ravindra stated.

The association, which in 2023 accused the then BJP government of seeking a “40 percent commission,” said contractors are under severe financial strain, with pending dues of over ₹32,000 crore yet to be cleared. It also alleged that projects under Nirmiti Kendras and KRIDL are being allotted to political supporters, who later demand commissions when subcontracting the works.

KSCA further accused departments of delaying bill payments, releasing only 15–20 percent once in three months, and adopting corrupt practices in awarding tenders.

The allegations have triggered sharp reactions from the opposition BJP. Party president B Y Vijayendra claimed that half of the funds meant for development are being siphoned off, leading to poor quality of roads and collapsing infrastructure.

The controversy comes amid mounting public criticism of Bengaluru’s road conditions, putting the Siddaramaiah government under fresh pressure.