Karnataka Congress MLA says spoke of corruption in audio, didn't name minister

After an audio clip leak where Karnataka Congress MLA BR Patil appeared to speak about bribery in the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation, he explained that he never named any minister. Clarifying his position, Patil said he merely spoke about corruption within the housing body and did not level allegations against any individual.

“I haven’t taken any individual's name. I’ve spoken about Sarfaraz, our housing minister’s private secretary. Have I made any allegations against the minister?” Patil said.

“I’ve only said it (corruption) took place in Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation. Let it be investigated.”

The clarification comes amid a political storm in Karnataka, with the BJP accusing the Congress government of large-scale corruption and calling for Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s resignation.

The audio clip, which was widely circulated and aired by news channels, reportedly had Patil warning of a shake-up in the government over housing-related irregularities.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s Economic Advisor Basavaraj Rayareddy tried to downplay the controversy, saying, “Corruption is not limited to our government alone. It exists in the Government of India, in Karnataka, and in other states as well. It has become a global phenomenon. I agree it needs to be curbed. BR Patil has clarified that his statements are twisted. Zameer is one of the good ministers.”

Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad, when asked about Congress MLC Belur Gopalkrishna’s demand for Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan’s resignation, said, “It is his personal opinion. The party and government will take a view morally and publicly. Anyone should not give a personal opinion. They should speak to the government.”

The BJP has gone on the offensive. “The Chief Minister should just resign. It is not just one department or ministry which is corrupt. The entire government is corrupt,” said BJP MLC CT Ravi. “Every day, there is a new scam coming up in Karnataka.”

Echoing the sentiment, BJP state president BY Vijayendra said, “Corruption is rampant in Karnataka government. Sitting MLAs are talking about corruption within the government.”

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