Contractors renew commission charge in Karnataka, to write to PM again

The association said it would continue its fight demanding an independent judicial probe

The 40% commission charge has again come to the fore to haunt the Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai-led government in Karnataka, with the State contractors association on Wednesday stating that they would be writing another letter to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in this regard.

The association said it would continue its fight demanding an independent judicial probe.

An association delegation, led by its president D. Kempanna, on Wednesday met Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly Siddaramaiah and later alleged that the whole system was corrupt and accused Ministers and MLAs of demanding a percentage.

In his reaction, Mr. Bommai said the association is not the only association of contractors, it is one among several others.

"There is no meaning in his allegations. It should be noted that he has spoken after meeting Siddaramaiah," the Chief Minister said, adding that any baseless statement would be nothing but motivated.

Mr. Bommai said following the concerns raised by the association last time, the government had made certain orders, and even constituted a tender scrutiny committee headed by a retired judge, which no other State has done.

"If they have any specific complaint, they can go before the Lokayukta and give a complaint. The Lokayukta has full freedom, it will investigate and we will take strict action against the guilty, if any," the Chief Minister added.