‘Existed Earlier, Exists Now’: Karnataka Minister Admits 'Commission' Culture Amid Contractor Row

Last Updated:February 20, 2026, 17:20 IST

The comments have triggered sharp political reactions as the Congress swept to power in 2023 after targeting the previous BJP government over the “40 per cent commission” culture.

A political controversy has erupted in Karnataka after Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi acknowledged that the practice of “commissions" or kickbacks continues within the state’s governance system.

The minister’s remarks come amid mounting tensions with the Karnataka State Contractors Association (KSCA) announcing a statewide protest on March 6, alleging that the government has failed to clear pending bills amounting to ₹37,370 crore.

The association has accused the Congress-led government of presiding over worsening corruption and administrative paralysis, intensifying the political heat around infrastructure projects.

‘It Was There Before, It Will Continue’

Responding to questions on allegations of commission-taking in the Public Works Department (PWD), Jarkiholi made an unusually candid statement.

“That’s there. It was there before. It’s there now. It will be there in future. It’s difficult to trace where exactly it happens. Allegations keep coming from different sides. It existed earlier, it exists today, and it may exist tomorrow as well. But it has to be controlled. We must put an end to it," the minister said.

The comments have triggered sharp political reactions, particularly because the Congress swept to power in 2023 after targeting the previous BJP government over the alleged “40 per cent commission" culture in public works.

Jarkiholi’s statement is being viewed by critics as an implicit admission that illegal payments and systemic corruption remain deeply entrenched within sections of the bureaucracy, despite the government’s promises of reform and transparency.

Contractors Flag Financial Distress

The controversy has gained further traction with contractors warning of a deepening financial crisis due to unpaid dues. The KSCA claims that prolonged delays in payments have pushed many contractors to the brink, stalling development works across the state.

The March 6 protest is expected to intensify pressure on the Congress administration to urgently clear bills and restore confidence within the infrastructure sector.

The issue is politically sensitive for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, whose government had projected itself as a clean and accountable alternative to the previous regime.

BJP Attacks Congress

The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party seized on the minister’s remarks to mount a fierce attack on the government. Leader of Opposition R Ashoka accused the Congress of hypocrisy, alleging that corruption remains central to its governance.

“He has admitted this because he is also corrupt. Corruption has been there since independence and its foundation was laid by the Congress. This is a shame for the Congress government. The minister has openly accepted that the party is corrupt," Ashoka alleged.

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