Trouble for BJP in Karnataka? Panel uncovers Rs 3,000 crore scam in now-dissolved BBMP: Report
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Bengaluru: An inquiry report has reportedly exposed massive irregularities amounting to Rs 3,049.35 crore under the now-dissolved Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) during the BJP-led administration between 2019 and 2022.
The Justice HN Nagmohan Das Commission, which was tasked with probing allegations of irregularities, found defects in all 761 works that it examined, as reported by Deccan Herald on Friday.
The Commission looked into four categories of works: solid waste management; road development; stormwater drains, plan sanction and occupancy certificates; and lake improvement, Smart City and ward-level works. "It is clear that huge illegalities occurred in these four divisions of work. Collusion between officials and some contractors cannot be ruled out," the Commission stated.
It has recommended both civil and criminal proceedings against those involved in the scams.
The Commission also raised concerns over government inaction, stating that successive governments sat on several inquiry reports on irregularities. “Any future report submitted by investigation agencies will lose its meaning,” the Commission mentioned, referencing the longstanding lack of action on previous probe findings.
The anomalies detected by the Commission included excess payments, remuneration to unauthorised persons, projects undertaken without administrative approvals, non-compliance with tender processes, and failure to ensure project quality.
The Congress government is reportedly under pressure to substantiate its earlier allegations of a “40% commission” during the BJP's tenure. However, a separate report by Justice Das, published earlier this year, did not find conclusive evidence to back the claim. “The ‘40% commission’ allegation may not be 100% true,” he concluded. Despite this, the latest BBMP inquiry report may provide the Congress with enough firepower to take further action against the BJP opposition, DH added.
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Former minister C M Ibrahim announces to launch new regional party for Karnataka
Kalaburagi: Two years after being expelled from the Janata Dal (Secular), former minister C.M. Ibrahim has announced that he will launch a new regional political party in Karnataka on January 24, reported Deccan Herald.
Speaking at a meeting organised by the Nava Karnataka Nirmana Andolana in Kalaburagi on Sunday, Ibrahim confirmed the birth of the new party.
The 77-year-old politician stated he would soon be meeting with other like-minded individuals to choose a symbol for the party.
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Ibrahim emphasised that the organisation would be guided by the principles of 12th-century social reformer Basavanna and the architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
A veteran politician, Ibrahim served as Union Civil Aviation Minister during the tenure of H.D. Deve Gowda as Prime Minister and later headed the Karnataka unit of the Janata Dal (Secular). He was expelled from the JD(S) in 2023 on charges of anti-party activities.
His exit from the party followed sharp differences over the JD(S) decision to ally with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). As the then state president of the JD(S), Ibrahim had publicly criticised the alliance, claiming it was finalised without his knowledge. He had also reportedly convened meetings of his supporters and expressed support for the INDIA bloc.
