The Basavaraj Bommai government in Karnataka has been battling allegations by contractors that BJP leaders were demanding bribes from them. Even before the contractors' issue died down, Bommai is facing a new front. On Monday, a Lingayat seer alleged that Mutts in the state were forced to pay up to 30 per cent commission for release of funds sanctioned to them.
Dingaleshwar Swamiji of Balehosur Mutt in Shirahatti taluk of Gadag had said on Monday “If a grant is sanctioned for a swami (seer), it reaches the mutt after 30 per cent deduction. This is the plain truth. Officials clearly tell you that unless the amount is deducted, your project will not start.” The seer charged “There is a pathetic situation of paying 30 per cent commission. The work starts only after paying 30 per cent. Many contractors have stopped their works. There are only talks but no development is happening. Many MLAs fix the rate first before starting the work.”
Chief Minister Bommai said on Monday his government took Dingaleshwar Swamiji's allegations “very seriously”. He was quoted by ANI as saying “Dingaleshwar Swamiji is a revered seer, a mahatma. It is not enough if the head of a Mutt just issues a statement. If he could provide details as to who demanded the commission, to whom it was paid, how much was paid and all the related details then I ensure a thorough investigation will be done.”
However, Karnataka Agriculture Minister B.C. Patil accused the seer of political bias. Patil was quoted by The Times of India as saying “before giving bribe, the swamiji should have protested. He is talking like a Congress worker. Earlier he supported former CM B.S. Yediyurappa... he has now shown his chameleon nature.”
The Congress, which has been campaigning against the Bommai government on the contractors' issue, took note of Swamiji's allegations.
Congress executive vice president Eshwar Khandre was quoted by The Times of India as saying “Corruption does not have caste and religion. BJP is using caste and religion to its advantage.”
Congress national spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala lashed out at the Bommai government. He tweeted on Tuesday “30% Commission from 'Mutts' has become the norm in Bommai Govt! Nauseating stench of Corruption is unbearable & has reached its 'nadir'. Instead of ordering an enquiry by CJI, shameful that CM Bommai asks for proof & Min, B.C.Patil insults the 'Seer'. This is fake Hinduism!”
