The ruling Congress government in Karnataka faced sharp criticism from the BJP on Thursday after Upa Lokayukta Justice B. Veerappa remarked that the State has around 63% corruption in government services—placing Karnataka among the top five most corrupt states in the country.
Justice Veerappa made the comments during a book release event organised by the Advocates Association in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Citing comparative figures, he said neighbouring Kerala reports only 10% corruption, whereas Karnataka’s numbers reflect a “dangerous trend”. He warned that corruption is “rampant in almost all departments” and cautioned that the situation could worsen without urgent corrective steps.
The BJP seized upon his remarks, calling it proof of widespread maladministration under the Congress government. Leader of Opposition R. Ashok demanded a CBI investigation, stating, “Even judges have now become witnesses to corruption.” He alleged a ₹25 lakh commission for allotting one acre of farmland, ₹20 lakh for bar licences, and claimed a ₹90 crore transformer installation scam, among other irregularities.
Ashok further targeted the Congress leadership, alleging Karnataka was being used as an “ATM for elections”. He claimed ₹300 crore was transferred from Karnataka to fund the Bihar Assembly elections.
Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanswamy said Justice Veerappa’s position added weight to the allegations. “There is authentication because Veerappa is a justice. The government cannot deny this. If they accept it, they are unfit to continue as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister,” he said.
The Congress government has not yet issued an official response to the allegations.