Karnataka Cong-Govt Faces Internal Fire Over Graft Charges? MLA Raju Kage Backs BR Patil's Allegations
The issue in Karnataka Congress government came to the fore after MLA Raju Kage backed BR Patil's corruption allegations, citing bureaucratic failures and stalled development grants.
The Karnataka Congress government is facing growing dissent from within its own ranks as a second MLA, Raju Kage, backed fellow party legislator BR Patil’s recent allegations of large-scale corruption in the Housing Department. The developments have triggered fresh political turbulence, with Kage hinting at a possible resignation.
Congress MLA Raju Kage Backs BR Patil
Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Congress MLA Raju Kage said, "What BR Patil said is absolutely true... Same situation is being created for me too... It wouldn’t be surprising if I submit my resignation to the CM in the next two days."
Expressing his frustrations, Kage alleged bureaucratic inefficiency and a broken administrative system. He added, "... Just like what happened with BR Patil, the same situation is being created for me too. Officials are not working properly in our government. The Chief Minister's special grant has been sanctioned. Rs 25 crore was granted, but even after two years, the work order has not been issued. The administrative system in our state has completely failed. Because of this, I am deeply hurt. Even I am in a situation where I might resign."
Kage’s remarks have intensified pressure on the Siddaramaiah-led government, coming just days after BR Patil openly accused the Housing Department of graft. Patil had claimed that without paying bribes, ordinary citizens were unable to secure housing allocations in rural Karnataka.
BJP Launches Scathing Attack
The BJP wasted no time in seizing on the internal turmoil within the ruling Congress. Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, said, "People are talking against this govt and also levelling corruption charges against the state govt. The ruling MLAs are saying all this. In Karnataka, many people are calling the CM and ministers corrupt and those who say it are being accused of making hate speech..."
Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra also weighed in, stating, "Congress MLA BR Patil has alleged that there is rampant corruption in the Housing department. The allegation he has made is that without paying a bribe, the common man is not getting houses allotted in rural areas. One more Congress MLA Raju Kage, has stated that he is frustrated. The grants meant for the development of his constituency have not been released because the commission has not been paid."
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