Contractor payment issues a legacy of previous BJP government: D.K. Shivakumar
Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday attributed the ongoing contractor payment delays in Karnataka to financial mismanagement by the previous BJP government.
Speaking during the "Bengaluru Nadige” (Walk for Bengaluru) initiative at Vengayyana Kere Eco Park in K.R. Puram, Shivakumar said that the former BJP administration had sanctioned projects far exceeding the state’s budgetary limits, resulting in the current crisis.
“The contractors’ dues are not my personal responsibility. I have already convened a meeting with their association to discuss the matter. I am not afraid of threats,” Shivakumar said, addressing citizens during an interaction session.
He added that the present Congress government is clearing the pending bills in a phased manner. “We are making payments step by step, and will continue to do so until the issue is resolved. If anyone demands a bribe, the affected parties should file formal complaints with evidence. Talking to the media will not bring a solution,” he cautioned.
During the event, a local resident, Sultan Mirza, complained that a revenue officer in K.R. Puram was demanding a bribe of ₹10,000–₹15,000 for processing official documents. Shivakumar immediately directed officials to take action against Revenue Officer Basavaraj over the allegation.
In another grievance, a resident named Vignesh tearfully told Shivakumar that his neighbor, Mallikarjun, had allegedly blocked his house entrance and was demanding ₹10 lakh to allow access. Responding firmly, Shivakumar said, “It doesn’t matter whether they belong to the Congress, BJP, or any other group — strict action will be taken. File a complaint with the police immediately, and I will ensure action is taken by this evening.”
He further instructed municipal officials to visit the site, investigate the situation, and take legal action if threats or extortion were confirmed.
Shivakumar reiterated that his government would not tolerate corruption or intimidation and would continue to clear contractors’ dues while ensuring accountability among officials.
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National Herald case: Shivakumar to seek time next week to appear before Delhi police
New Delhi/Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday said he will ask for time from Delhi police to appear before them next week, to provide required information as part of the probe into the National Herald case.
He said he will seek time after the ongoing winter session of Karnataka legislature ends on December 19. He will also ask the Delhi police to provide him the FIR copy.
Shivakumar, who is in the national capital, had earlier said that he will appear before the Delhi police on Monday. But, he postponed the plan in order to rush back to Karnataka to participate in the last rites of veteran Congress leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa, scheduled later in the day in Davangere.
"I had to go (to appear before the Delhi police), but I have to go back urgently. I'm asking them for time, stating that I will come next week," Shivakumar told reporters in New Delhi.
"They (Delhi police) have not attached the FIR copy while issuing notice to me. I need FIR copy, because we had already given all the required replies to the ED. I don't know what the FIR says, I only read in papers. They have given notice, I will ask for a FIR copy. I will come next week after the Assembly session."
The Delhi Police had issued a notice to Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Congress chief, seeking financial and transactional details as part of its probe into the National Herald case.
The notice issued by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) states that Shivakumar is "supposed to be having vital information" pertaining to the National Herald case registered on October 3 this year, against top Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
In the notice dated November 29, the EOW had asked Shivakumar to appear before it or provide the requested information by December 19 latest.
Investigators have sought details about his personal background, his association with the Congress party, and a complete break up of funds allegedly transferred by him or associated entities to Young Indian.
To a question on meeting AICC General Secretaries K C Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala, amid the ongoing power tussle between him and CM Siddaramaiah over the Chief Minister post, Shivakumar said when he comes to Delhi, he usually meets every one.
"Whether it is Surjewala or Kharge (AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge) or Venugopal, I will meet everyone. During lunch yesterday I met Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. I have met everyone. What's wrong?" he asked.
Shivakumar was in Delhi to take part in Congress' "Vote Chori" rally on Sunday, and had also participated in the lunch organised by the party for its leaders.
Responding to a question, whether any meeting is planned with leaders today, the Deputy CM said, he and Kharge will be travelling together to Karnataka, to pay last respects to Shamanuru Shivashankarappa.
Asked if he will seek time for a separate meeting with Congress leadership including Rahul Gandhi, during the next visit to Delhi, Sivakumar said, "such things will be there between us in the party.... you don't worry."
