JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday showed mediapersons a pen drive, in which, he claimed, he had proof of the "Congress's transfer racket". He said that the pendrive contained the audio clip of the conversation of a minister, who had engaged in corruption. He said that he will release the pen drive when the time comes. "I am carrying the evidence in my pocket. I can release it at any time. Without any proper information, I will not release anything. Everything on how a minister collected money for the posting of administrative officials is here," the former Karnataka Chief Minister said.
Recently, Kumaraswamy had accused CM Siddaramaiah's office of asking for bribes despite having a letter of recommendation from MLAs. He alleged that he had demanded a bribe of Rs 30 lakhs. The audio recording related to this allegation is said to be in Kumaraswamy's pen drive.
Kumaraswamy alleged that a "transfer syndicate" within the government was engaged in "cash-for-postings," leading to widespread corruption across all departments. Kumaraswamy, the second-in-command of the JD(S), had been drawing attention to the "transfer business" in recent days, and now he claims that it has expanded its influence to the commercial tax department.
He alleged, "The transfer racket and corruption are spreading on a large scale. Following the Transport and Revenue Departments' involvement (Sub-Registrar), a syndicate has emerged in the Commercial Taxes Department, specifically for facilitating transfer-related activities."
The JD(S) leader further stated, "Cash-for-posting is happening rampantly in this government, despite Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot emphasizing the need to curb corruption in his speech. Every position has a price." Kumaraswamy asserted that a file containing a list of officials to be transferred within the Commercial Tax Department had been prepared by the "syndicate" and was awaiting the Commissioner's signature.
According to Kumaraswamy, the government is pursuing a policy of "no posting without money," implying that financial transactions are a prerequisite for securing a desirable posting within the administration.
BJP leader BS Yediyurappa on Monday extended his support to Kumaraswamy, saying. "I am ready to fight together with HD Kumaraswamy against the corrupt (Congress) government (in Karnataka); Only our central leadership has to give the permission."