Present State govt. more corrupt than its predecessor, alleges contractors’ association president in Karnataka’s Shivamogga

Karnataka State Contractors’ Association president R. Manjunath has alleged that the present Congress government in Karnataka was more corrupt than its predecessor.

Addressing a contractors’ meeting in Shivamogga on Wednesday, Mr. Manjunath said that the total amount of dues meant to be paid to the contractors was over ₹32,000 crore. The contractors were in dire straits as their bills had not been cleared, he added.

“We have brought this issue to the attention of the Chief Minister and other Ministers concerned. During the tenure of the previous government, there was an allegation of a 40% commission to clear the bills. This time, there is a higher degree of corruption,” Mr. Manjunath claimed.

Further, he maintained that it had been difficult for the contractors to execute the works they had been allotted. There was an increase in the number of faceless petitions against contractors, he said.

Office-bearers of the contractors’ association and its district unit were present at the programme.