Karnataka Congress demands inquiry by SC Judge or House panel into graft charges by contractors
Bengaluru, Nov 27: Sticking to their demand for a judicial probe by a sitting Supreme Court Judge into the kickback charges levelled by the contractors association, the Congress in Karnataka while questioning the credibility of the inquiry by officials on Saturday urged the government to at least form a House Committee to look into it.
Following Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai ordering an inquiry into the charges levelled by contractors, Chief Secretary P Ravi Kumar on Friday had sought a report from Additional Chief Secretary (water resources) Rakesh Singh on any irregularities found in the tender process or bill payments with respect to works costing more than Rs 10 crore, and look into complaints of irregularities.
In their letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July, the Karnataka State Contractors Association had claimed harassment by ministers, elected representatives and others, accusing them of demanding up to 30 percent of the tender amount for approving a contract and 5-6 per cent towards release of 'Letter of Credit' against pending bills.
Water resources was one of the departments that the contractors had named.
"Let them inquire in to last ten years, we don't have any objection, Whoever is involved, whether they are from Congress or JD(S) or the BJP, the guilty must be punished, as this is public money, there should be a proper account for it," Congress leader D K Shivakumar told reporters here.
Seeking to know how ACS Rakesh Singh can do the inquiry, he said, "he (Singh) may be a good officer, that's a different question, let them order a judicial probe by a sitting judge of the Supreme Court or else let them constitute a House Committee. I demand a House Committee probe, let their own party member be its Chairman."
The KPCC chief said let the government at least constitute a House Committee, as they will not agree for a judicial committee probe.
Further stating that Congress will raise and fight on the issue inside the state legislature during the upcoming session, Shivakumar said, "it is a complaint from the contractors association, it is a registered association with about one lakh members associated with various sectors."
Bommai had said that projects tendered during the Congress' tenure will be included in the inquiry he has ordered into the charges of corruption levelled by the state contractors association, and charged the grand old party of being the originator of percentage culture.
Meanwhile, seeking a judicial probe, Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah in Mysuru asked, "will any one get an inquiry done by an officer who is from the very department, where corruption has allegedly taken place? Let there be judicial inquiry from a Supreme Court sitting judge, and let the guilty be punished."
Terming the government's decision to get the inquiry done by officials who are heads of the departments as an "eyewash", he said his party was no objection to inquiry being extended to Congress' tenure.
Hitting back at the CM's allegation that percentage culture began and existed during Congress tenure, Siddaramaiah asked, "whether the Contractors association had written any such letter to PM alleging corruption during Congress' tenure ?"
Intensifying their attack against the government on the charges made by the contractors, a Congress delegation on Thursday met Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, urging him to recommend imposition of President Rule in the state, alleging "failure of constitutional machinery".
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Lets win the world through love, friendship: Dr. Boby Chemmanur
Mangaluru: “Wars, bombings, mass killings etc. are happening all over the world for different reasons. However, none of us will be aware of what we have achieved from this. If everyone wants to live in peace, we all have to extend the hand of friendship. So let's win the world with friendship and love,” said businessman, social worker, donor Dr. Boby Chemmanur speaking after receiving honor from the Team B-Human in a program held at Kianza Garden near Someshwara Uchila on Saturday.
Boby revealed about not visiting Mangaluru despite invitations owing to the city's bad impression he had. “However, after watching Team-B Human's social service video, my perspective about Mangaloreans changed.” In addition he also promised to help the people of this region, including my fans through a charitable trust.
Expressing gratitude, he said, “Once upon a time I used to be a man who would flaunt my wealth. After my mind transformation, I learned to love and befriend the world. I myself paid one crore rupees for the release of Abdul Rahim, a young man from Kerala who was stuck in Saudi Arabia. My Mother, who would not give money to non-christians, gave Rs. 1 Lakh and encouraged the funding. Many people have helped me to achieve my goal. I am grateful to all of them.”
Inaugurating the program, Manjeshwar MLA A.K.M. Ashraf called Kerala a model for humanity in the country. “Even though Kerala has been portrayed in a distorted way by some individuals, the real story of Kerala is known as Boche created by Dr. Boby Chemmannur. It is commendable that Team B Human has honored such social workers.” Legislative Assembly Speaker UT Khader who joined the program virtually extended his best wishes.
The program, led by Asif Deals, Founder President of Team B-Human, also felicitated Sabita Shetty, Founder Managing Trustee of Tapasya Foundation, and Hanif Puttur, General Secretary of CRDF, Puttur.
Zakaria Jokatte- Managing Director of Al Muzain Group, Sharif Bolara- Managing Director of Whitestone, Mansoor Ahmad Azad- Chairman of Hidaya Foundation, Muhammad Kunhi-Managing Director of Shanti Prakashan, Abdul Latif Gurpur- Managing Director ANI Trading Company, Muzafar Ahmed-Trustee of Team-B Human, Abdullah Monu- Administrative Director Eurogroup Qatar , KA Bawa of Deals Group, Khayyum Manya- Trustee of Abhayam Dialysis Center Kasaragod, DK District Wakf Advisory Committee Vice Chairman-AK Jamal, Sameer Kasaragod, Naveen Hegde were present during the occasion.
Siraj, President of the Mangalore unit of Team B Human, extended a warm welcome, while motivational coach Rafeeq Master and Saif Sultan, founder of Hope Foundation, moderated the program.
