Bengaluru: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday levelled serious allegations against the Karnataka government, claiming that a Rs 36,000 crore waste management contract awarded in Bengaluru was marred by irregularities. The opposition party has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, alleging that the tender was granted to a company that had previously been blacklisted.

The allegations have triggered a fresh political confrontation between the BJP and the ruling Congress government, with the opposition questioning both the financial implications of the project and the selection process followed for the contract.

BJP questions long-term waste management contract

Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashoka, alleged that the government awarded a 30-year waste processing contract to Ramky despite concerns raised by the state’s Finance Department.

According to Ashok, the contract could result in payments of approximately Rs 36,000 crore over the next three decades. He claimed that the tender period was significantly longer than recommended and would place a substantial financial burden on the city’s waste management system.

The BJP leader argued that Bengaluru’s existing waste processing framework was functioning at a much lower cost and questioned the rationale behind entering into a long-term agreement of such magnitude.

Cost increase comes under scrutiny

A major aspect of the BJP’s criticism relates to the alleged increase in waste processing costs under the new arrangement.

According to Ashok, the cost of processing waste has increased from approximately Rs 260 per tonne to Rs 2,400 per tonne. He claimed this represents a nearly 950 per cent increase compared to previous rates.

The opposition has alleged that the dramatic rise in expenditure warrants a detailed investigation into how the tender was structured and awarded.

The BJP further stated that the Finance Department had reportedly advised the government to restrict the contract duration to 10 years instead of extending it to 30 years. According to Ashok, these concerns were allegedly ignored during the final approval process.

Allegations regarding company selection

The BJP has also questioned the decision to award the contract to Ramky, alleging that the company had faced regulatory action in the past.

Ashok claimed that the company had previously been blacklisted by the Bengaluru civic administration and had also faced action related to international financial irregularities.

The opposition leader argued that these factors should have been considered during the tender evaluation process. He has demanded that the government explain why the company was selected despite the alleged concerns regarding its past record.

At present, these remain allegations made by the BJP, and no independent investigation has established wrongdoing in the tender process.

BJP plans legal and constitutional action

The BJP has announced that it will escalate the matter by approaching constitutional and investigative authorities.

Ashok said the party intends to submit documents related to the tender process to Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot and file a formal complaint before the Lokayukta.

The opposition is also demanding that the matter be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation for an independent inquiry.

According to BJP leaders, a probe would help determine whether any procedural irregularities occurred during the tendering and approval stages.

Karnataka government yet to respond

As of now, the Karnataka government has not issued an official response to the allegations made by the BJP.

The controversy emerges at a time when Bengaluru continues to face challenges related to waste collection, processing and disposal. Effective waste management remains a key civic issue for the city, which generates thousands of tonnes of municipal solid waste every day.

Any major changes in waste management contracts often attract public attention due to their long-term financial implications and direct impact on urban services.

Political battle likely to intensify

The allegations are expected to intensify political tensions between the ruling Congress and the BJP in Karnataka. With the opposition seeking intervention from the Governor, Lokayukta and the CBI, the issue could become a significant point of confrontation in the coming weeks.

Whether the government responds with detailed clarifications or an official review of the tender process may determine how the controversy unfolds.

Conclusion

The BJP’s allegations regarding the Bengaluru waste management contract have raised questions about tender procedures, project costs and corporate eligibility. While the opposition has demanded a CBI investigation and alleged financial irregularities, the Karnataka government is yet to present its side of the issue. The matter is likely to remain under political and public scrutiny as further details emerge.