New Delhi: The situation for the ruling BJP does not seem to get better in Karnataka as the party found itself caught up in another controversy on Monday. Following the contractor’s suicide, of taking 30 percent commission from religious entities for releasing funds.
On Monday, a Lingayat seer accused the BJP-led Karnatak government of taking a commission from religious institutions and mutts for releasing funds. Regarding the same, senior Congress S.R. Patil organised a tractor rally.
In the rally, Dingaleshwara Swamiji said, “The ruling BJP not only takes a commission from contractors, that it even takes 30 percent commission from religious seers,” reported news agency IANS.
"The officers directly tell us about the commission. If an ice cream is granted in New Delhi or Bengaluru, by the time it reaches north Karnataka, only the stick will remain," he alleged.
The allegation by the seer created a stir in the political atmosphere of the state, especially for the BJP which was already grappling with the death of a contractor who held the former minister KS Eshwarappa of his death as he alleged him of asking for bribes. The whole incident led to Eshwarappa’s resignation recently.
The Opposition has found an opportunity in the same as it launched a high voltage attack on BJP as Congress’ Executive Presidents Satish Jarkiholi and Eshwar Khandre slammed it.
"Corruption does not have caste and religion. BJP is using caste and religion to its advantage," said Khandre.
However, BJP ministers have taken objection to the statements made by the seer.
Agriculture Minister B.C. Patil said that "before giving bribe, the Swamiji should have protested. He is talking like a Congress worker. Earlier he supported former CM B.S. Yediyurappa... he has now shown his chameleon nature.”