Row Over 40% Commission Charge Against BJP in Report

Cabinet is expected to discuss the matter. BJP leaders take the name of Lord Ram, but their actions resemble those of Ravan. LAXMI HEBBALKAR, State women and child welfare minister

- HT Correspondent

BENGALURU: Political slugfest has erupted a day after the Justice HN Nagmohan Das Commission presented its findings on the alleged 40% commission scandal that occurred during the tenure of the previous Bharatiya Janata Party-led Karnataka government.

The report, spanning 20,000 pages along with annexures, was handed over to chief minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday.

The commission was tasked with probing complaints from the Karnataka State Contractors' Association, which accused government officials of demanding more than 40% commission on public works contracts. The investigation focused on projects executed between July 26, 2019, and March 31, 2023, across five key departments. The probe involved thorough file inspections, site visits, and financial audits to assess the extent of the irregularities.

"The report recommends further scrutiny of irregularities, particularly the lack of transparency in contract allocations and the practice of directly awarding contracts to certain contractors. Alongside this investigation, the commission also submitted an 1,800-page report addressing alleged discrepancies in the modernisation of the Narayanapura Left Bank canal," said an officer in the know of the development.