HD Kumaraswamy slams Karnataka govt over 'housing scam', questions CM Siddaramaiah's authority
Bengaluru, Jun 23 (PTI): Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Congress government in Karnataka over the alleged irregularities in the Housing department.
He alleged that MLAs are running from pillar to post, visiting engineers' offices and ministers for grants and government schemes.
"If even ruling party members are facing such problems, what would be the plight of opposition MLAs? Never before has the state seen such a sorry state of governance," he said.
In a statement from the Minister's office, Kumaraswamy alleged that while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his ministers are busy enjoying commission money, MLAs cannot even face the people in their constituencies.
"Is there any greater shame than this? This is not a claim made by the opposition; these are statements made by senior Congress MLAs themselves. Leaders like B R Patil, Raju Kage, and Belur Gopalakrishna have said this. They are the ones giving certificates to this government," he added.
Bharamgouda Alagouda Kage, the ruling Congress MLA from Kagwad, on Monday "threatened to resign" from the Karnataka Assembly, alleging an "administrative collapse" in the state.
Speaking to reporters in Belagavi, Kage expressed frustration over delays in development work in his constituency.
Supporting fellow Congress MLA B R Patil from Aland, Kage echoed concerns about "corruption and stagnation in public works."
Kumaraswamy alleged that for the past three days, the Housing Department has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. "The government is trying to throw dust in the eyes of the public. This government no longer fears or respects the people," he claimed.
"Let’s talk about B R Patil, not just any MLA, but a senior and experienced legislator. While he was unaware, 950 houses were sanctioned in his constituency by the Housing Department. When he questioned the Minister’s close aide over a phone call, the aide’s response went viral in an audio clip. MLAs are being told, 'File a complaint if there’s a real issue; we’ll take action.' Who gave that aide the power to decide what action is to be taken? Has the Minister given him collection rights?" Kumaraswamy questioned.
B R Patil had earlier alleged corruption in a government housing scheme, claiming that money was being collected from beneficiaries. However, Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan categorically denied Patil’s allegations.
Lashing out at Siddaramaiah, Kumaraswamy asked, "Is there even a Chief Minister in Karnataka? Is this really a government?"
"The Deputy CM (D K Shivakumar) runs away saying, 'I’ll check and get back to you.' Promises made in the legislative party meeting are not being fulfilled. It’s not just opposition voices. Your party MLAs are saying this," he added.
Alleging that there are multiple layers of scams within the Housing Department, he asked, "Will the Chief Minister demand the Housing Minister’s resignation? Does this CM have the courage, integrity, or moral authority to do so?"
Addressing media in Raichur, Siddaramaiah said he would speak to Kage.
He, however, clarified that there are no special grants or Chief Minister's grants. "People refer to all the grants we give as 'special grants.' But that’s not the case. We provide special grants only where they are required," Siddaramaiah said.
Regarding B R Patil, the CM said he has asked him to meet on June 25.
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Karnataka offers extensive incentives in its proposed IT policy
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka has proposed a new Information Technology Policy for 2025–2030, offering extensive financial and non-financial incentives aimed at accelerating investments, strengthening innovation and expanding the state's tech footprint beyond Bengaluru.
The Karnataka Cabinet gave its nod to the policy 2025–2030 with an outlay of Rs 445.50 crore on Thursday after the Finance Department accorded its approval.
The policy introduces 16 incentives across five enabler categories, nine of which are entirely new, with a distinctive push to support companies setting up or expanding in emerging cities.
Alongside financial support, the government is also offering labour-law relaxations, round-the-clock operational permissions and industry-ready human capital programmes to make Karnataka a globally competitive 'AI-native' destination.
According to the policy, units located outside Bengaluru will gain access to a wide suite of benefits, including research and development and IP creation incentives, internship reimbursements, talent relocation support and recruitment assistance.
The benefits also include EPF reimbursement, faculty development support, rental assistance, certification subsidies, electricity tariff rebates, property tax reimbursement, telecom infrastructure support, and assistance for events and conferences.
Bengaluru Urban will receive a focused set of six research and development and talent-oriented incentives, while Indian Global Capability Centres (GCCs) operating in the state will be brought under the incentive net.
Incentive caps and eligibility thresholds have been raised, and the policy prioritises growth-focused investments for both new and expanding units.
Beyond incentives, the government focuses on infrastructure and innovation interventions.
A flagship proposal in the policy is the creation of Techniverse -- integrated, technology-enabled enclaves developed through a public-private partnership model inside future Global Innovation Districts.
These campuses will offer plug-and-play facilities, artificial intelligence and machine learning and cybersecurity labs, advanced testbeds, experience centres, and disaster-resistant command centres.
There will also be a Statewide Digital Hub Grid and a Global Test Bed Infrastructure Network, linking public and private research and development, and innovation facilities across Karnataka.
The government has proposed a Women Global Tech Missions Fellowship for 1,000 mid-career women technologists, an IT Talent Return Programme to absorb experienced professionals returning from abroad, and broad-based skill and faculty development reimbursements.
Shared corporate transport routes in Bengaluru and tier-two cities will be designed with Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation and other transport entities to support worker mobility.
The government said the policy is the outcome of an extensive research and consultation process involving TCS, Infosys, Wipro, IBM, HCL, Tech Mahindra, Cognizant, HP, Google, Accenture and NASSCOM, along with sector experts and stakeholder groups.
It estimates an outlay of Rs 967.12 crore over five years, comprising Rs 754.62 crore for incentives and Rs 212.50 crore for interventions such as Techniverse campuses, digital grid development, global outreach missions and talent programmes.
