AAP leader Prithvi Reddy challenges Karnataka government to take action against corrupt ministers

BENGALURU: The Aam Admi Party’s state convener Prithvi Reddy has demanded that the Karnataka government expel corrupt ministers from the cabinet, like the AAP government of Punjab did.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Prithvi Reddy said, “Bhagwant Mann has dismissed a minister and ordered an investigation on allegations of taking a percentage commission. Mann sacked Vijay Singla before the opposition and media demanded the minister’s resignation. However, most ministers of Karnataka, where the BJP is ruling, have been accused of corruption, but no action has been taken despite the people demanding resignation.”

“The Aam Admi Party is constantly fighting corruption. The party has filed several complaints against 40% commission. We are constantly protesting and uncovering corruption. But this deaf government does not dare to take action against the ministers. There are serious allegations against Dr K Sudhakar, Munirathna and many other ministers. Contractors have accused these ministers of 40% commission business in their works. The Swamijis have also alleged that 30% commission has to be given to get grants for mathas. All tainted ministers should be sacked soon,” he said.

“Health Minister Sudhakar was accused of irregularities in purchasing Covid equipment”, retired IPS officer and AAP leader Bhaskar Rao said. He also said that the AAP has repeatedly called for the resignation of Minister Munirathna over alleged irregularities in the Rs 118.26 crore scam, as proved by the Lokayukta investigation.

Higher Education Minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayan’s name has been repeatedly heard in the PSI and Asst. Professor’s recruitment scam. Minister Byrathi Basavaraju is accused of usurping 36 acres in KR Puram by creating a forged document, he said.

“There are questions over Minister V Somanna’s excess income. Minister R Ashok has been involved in illegalities. There is video evidence that Minister Shashikala Jolle has raised Rs 27 crore illegally in egg purchases under midday meal schem. The illegal deal is recorded in the video. Minister B C Patil is involved in illegal fertiliser sale in other states. Unfortunately, the government is not taking any action despite severe allegations against many ministers.” he said.

Former KAS officer and AAP leader K Mathai said, “Officials have informed about the bribe of Rs 20 lakh to Rs 5 crores, But the Lokayukta and the ACB have not arrested anyone in the last five years. The whole system in the state is corrupted and Chief Minister Bommai is busy protecting the same.”