MANGALURU: BJP MLA Dr Y. Bharath Shetty from Mangalore City North has demanded a judicial probe by a sitting judge into alleged irregularities and corruption in purchases made by the office of Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader.
MLA alleges misuse of funds
Addressing mediapersons on Monday, Dr Shetty alleged that crores of rupees were spent unnecessarily under the guise of modifications to the Legislators’ House, procurement of vehicles, and the organisation of a book fair.
“The legislators had not asked for any modifications in the Legislators’ House. Yet, smart locks have been installed in their rooms,” Dr Shetty said.
He added that furnishings such as beds, bed sheets, curtains, pillows, and chairs were replaced even when not required. “Earlier, damaged items were replaced only when necessary. Now, additional furniture has been purchased without any demand. When I questioned the estate manager, he said these purchases were made as per directions from the Speaker’s office,” he claimed.
Purchases allegedly made under exemption clause
Dr Shetty further alleged that several non-essential purchases were made under Section 4(g) of the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act, 1999, which allows exemptions from tendering in specific situations.
“We are wondering how the Speaker’s office obtained a 4(g) exemption. If modifications were truly required, they should have been carried out through proper tendering procedures as per government norms,” he said.
The MLA also alleged that smart locks, smart safes, smart energy solutions, and stainless-steel water purifiers were procured at inflated prices.
He demanded that the Speaker’s office be brought under the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, arguing that greater transparency was needed in such high-value purchases.
₹4.5 crore spent on book fair
Dr Shetty also raised questions about the five-day book fair organised at Vidhana Soudha earlier this year. “While the Speaker’s announcement of a book fair was initially welcomed, the expenditure of ₹4.5 crore is excessive and must be scrutinised,” he said.
He further pointed out that rosewood doors were installed at the Assembly entrance and carpets replaced entirely at a cost of several lakh rupees.
‘Government lacks financial discipline’
Dr Shetty criticised the Congress-led state government for what he called poor fiscal discipline. “When MLAs seek funds for road development, the government fails to release them. Announcements remain only on paper,” he said.
He also alleged that the lounge in Vidhana Soudha has been converted into a ‘massage parlour’ where machines are being promoted and free food is being served without clarity on whether it is subsidised or complimentary. “There needs to be an account of how this is being funded,” he demanded.
Probe to be raised before Governor
Dr Shetty said he would bring the matter to the notice of the Governor and raise it during the upcoming Assembly session. “We will continue to demand a judicial inquiry to ensure accountability and transparency in public spending,” he added.