Bengaluru, June 12: Central Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has accused the Karnataka government of significant irregularities in a solid waste management tender worth approximately ₹39,000 crore, labeling it one of the largest scams in the state’s history.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy stated that opposition leader R. Ashoka had previously raised concerns regarding this issue. He promised to present documents soon and discuss the matter in detail.
He explained that according to regulations, if a bid exceeds the estimated cost by even five percent, it is disqualified. Kumaraswamy alleged that the government is preparing to pay a company nearly ₹38,000 crore over 38 years, with an additional 35-year extension. He questioned the rationale behind awarding such a substantial contract to a blacklisted company.
Kumaraswamy further argued that it is impossible to predict which technologies will emerge in the future. Nevertheless, he claimed that the tender is being awarded solely for profit-making purposes.
He asserted that the contract is moving forward despite objections from the finance department. Kumaraswamy warned that the finance department has supported concerns raised by the opposition. A committee was formed as soon as objections were raised, and its officials appear to accept whatever is presented to them without question. He noted that there is a prevailing fear among them that if they do not comply, they could be dismissed. As a result, they are approving everything put before them. This situation could lead to a significant crisis for the people of Bengaluru.
Notably, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and opposition leader R. Ashoka sharply criticized Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday, accusing the Congress government of corruption, lack of transparency, and protecting those allegedly involved in the Bengaluru waste tender controversy.
Ashoka demanded an independent and timely investigation into the alleged irregularities in the tender process for the proposed Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) project for Bengaluru.
These allegations are particularly significant as they mark the BJP’s first major corruption charge against the newly formed government led by Chief Minister Shivakumar.
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