Scandal Rocks Karnataka: BJP Accuses Congress of Massive Corruption

The BJP launched a severe attack on the Congress over a Rs 187 crore scam involving the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation. The scandal led to the suicide of accounts superintendent Chandrasekharan P. The incident has exposed alleged corruption and anti-Dalit bias within the government.

The opposition BJP on Monday fiercely criticized the ruling Congress over a massive Rs 187 crore scam engulfing the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation.

Leader of the opposition, R Ashoka, condemned the government, citing this scandal, which resulted in the tragic death of honest government officer Chandrasekharan P, as evidence of the administration's alleged 'anti-Dalit' stance.

Speaking during an adjournment motion, Ashoka stated, “This is the ‘100 per cent Khata-Khat’ scam,” highlighting the magnitude of the corruption. He alleged that Chandrasekharan died by suicide after being taken to Goa and tortured to approve illegal money transfers.

In the Legislative Council, BJP's C T Ravi's attempts to discuss the issue were met with resistance from the Congress, leading to heated exchanges. Home Minister G Parameshwara said the matter, under investigation by SIT, CBI, and ED, couldn’t be debated. Chairman Basavaraj Horatti sought the Advocate General's opinion, enabling the discussion under strict conditions.

The BJP and JD(S) expressed dissatisfaction, staging protests and forcing an adjournment. When the House reconvened, contention arose again over Ravi's comments, leading to Deputy Chairman M K Pranesh adjourning the session until the next day.

The scam unfolded after Chandrasekharan’s suicide on May 26, which unveiled unauthorized Rs 187 crore transfers from the Corporation, involving notable IT firms and a Hyderabad-based cooperative bank. Following his implication in the scandal, ST Welfare Minister B Nagendra resigned on June 6 and is currently under ED custody.