All 224 MLAs know about the Congress government's commission racket: H.D. Kumaraswamy
Bengaluru: Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led Karnataka government, stating that all 224 MLAs in the state are aware of the rampant corruption and commission-related dealings within the administration.
Speaking to the media outside his residence in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy claimed, "In order to implement any government scheme in their constituencies, MLAs are forced to make payments. This has become the norm under the current Congress government."
Taking a direct swipe at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, he questioned, “Does this Chief Minister have any sense of dignity? He continues to shield corrupt individuals and keeps such people in his cabinet.”
The minister alleged that corruption in the state government has reached an unchecked level, affecting every legislator. “There’s no end to this commission racket. Every MLA is facing difficulties because of it. Even street-side discussions are now centered on the Housing Department's malpractice. Are these departments or dens of wrongdoing? Are these people ministers?” he asked.
Questions H.K. Patil’s silence until now
Targeting Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil, Kumaraswamy raised doubts about his recent demand for an investigation into irregularities in the mining sector.
“H.K. Patil has been a minister in this government for two years. Why has he written a letter seeking investigation only now? What was he doing all this time? Back in 2015-16, it was the same Patil who had recommended a probe into mining. Has he been worshipping that report every day since then?” Kumaraswamy said sarcastically.
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Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
