Mangaluru: High drama unfolded during the Dakshina Kannada KDP meeting as BJP legislators confronted district in-charge minister and Minister for Urban Development and Housing U T Khader over corruption allegations raised by Puttur MLA Ashok Rai against officials of the Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRDL).
The allegations made by Ashok Rai came up for discussion during the meeting, with BJP legislators seeking clarity from Khader on the action taken so far and the status of the inquiry.
The discussion turned heated as BJP members questioned whether Rai’s allegations had been dismissed on the grounds of his lack of experience and whether the claims were being given adequate importance.
BJP legislators seek action on allegations
The BJP legislators pressed Khader for details of the steps taken following the allegations against KRDL officials. They questioned whether the government had initiated a proper investigation and sought clarity on how the claims were being handled.
During the discussion, BJP members also questioned whether the statement made by Ashok Rai had been treated as lacking credibility because of his experience as a legislator.
Khader urged the members to concentrate on important matters concerning the district and said serious issues should be discussed in an appropriate manner.
However, the exchange became tense after Khader reprimanded BJP MLA Bharat Shetty and asked him not to engage in what he described as “childish behaviour”.
Bharat Shetty objects to Khader’s remarks
Khader’s remark drew a strong reaction from the BJP legislators.
Bharat Shetty objected to the minister’s description of the conduct during the meeting and questioned how allegations involving corruption could be treated as childish behaviour.
Shetty insisted that allegations of corruption should be taken seriously and investigated through the appropriate process. He expressed his displeasure over Khader’s remarks and maintained that allegations against government officials should not be brushed aside.
The confrontation added to the tension in the meeting, with BJP legislators continuing to seek answers from the minister regarding the KRDL-related allegations.
A verbal exchange also took place between the BJP legislators and Congress MLC Ivan D’Souza during the discussion.
Khader says inquiry is already underway
Responding to the questions raised by the BJP members, Khader said they had raised the issue in the proper manner and confirmed that an investigation into the allegations was already underway.
Khader said the authorities were examining the matter, including questions about who had provided the information. He maintained that action could not be taken against officials merely on the basis of statements or allegations.
“Action cannot be taken against good officers without conducting an inquiry,” Khader said.
He added that the facts would have to be established through the investigation before any action could be taken.
The minister’s response indicated that the government would rely on the findings of the inquiry to determine whether the allegations made by Ashok Rai were substantiated.
Minister denies directly awarding KRDL work
Khader also clarified his position regarding KRDL works and said he had not directly awarded any work to the organisation so far.
Addressing the competing claims, he said the investigation would establish whether the allegations made by Ashok Rai were correct or whether the version given by the officials was accurate.
“Whether the MLA’s statement is wrong or the officials’ statement is wrong will be determined through the investigation,” Khader said.
The minister’s statement came amid questions from BJP legislators seeking accountability over the allegations and demanding that the matter be examined thoroughly.
DC asked to ensure high-level inquiry
Khader directed the deputy commissioner to ensure that the allegations made by Ashok Rai were investigated at the highest level.
He instructed the district administration to examine the matter and take appropriate action based on the findings of the inquiry.
The direction came after BJP legislators repeatedly sought clarification over the status of the investigation and the government’s response to the allegations.
The minister maintained that due process was necessary before any action could be taken against government officials.
Heated exchange creates tension at KDP meeting
The confrontation over the KRDL allegations became one of the key points of discussion during the KDP meeting.
The exchange between Khader and BJP legislators, particularly Bharat Shetty, created a tense atmosphere in the meeting. The disagreement centred on how allegations of corruption should be addressed and whether immediate action was warranted or should follow the completion of an inquiry.
While the BJP legislators pressed for the allegations to be taken seriously, Khader maintained that the matter was already under investigation and that facts needed to be established before action could be taken.
The minister’s direction to the deputy commissioner to ensure a high-level investigation is expected to keep the issue under scrutiny. The outcome of the inquiry will determine whether the allegations against KRDL officials are substantiated and whether further action is warranted.