Action After KRIDL Report, Says Eshwar Khandre

Bengaluru: Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar B Khandre on Friday said the order regarding a 7 per cent job-savings deduction in KRIDL was issued during the previous BJP government, and criticised Opposition leaders for blaming the present Congress administration.

Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Khandre said that Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai had written to Chief Minister D K Shivakumar alleging irregularities involving two engineers of the Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL) in Mangaluru.He said that immediately after receiving information about the allegations, a probe had been ordered under the supervision of a Superintending Engineer-rank officer, with instructions to submit a report within seven days.“If the inquiry confirms corruption by the engineers named by the MLA, they will be suspended and action will be taken as per rules,” Khandre said, adding that Opposition leaders were showing undue haste even before the inquiry report was submitted.

Khandre said his objective was to ensure that the Rural Development Department remained transparent, people-friendly and free from corruption.“If there is evidence that any official or staff member has indulged in corruption by misusing the minister’s name, strict action will be taken without hesitation,” he said.

Referring to the allegations made by Ashok Kumar Rai, Khandre said KRIDL Managing Director had already issued a clarification stating that the 203rd Board Meeting of KRIDL had approved the 7 per cent job-savings deduction, and a circular to that effect was issued on August 21, 2021. “Which government was in power then? Who was the chairman of KRIDL at that time?” Khandre asked.

He explained that KRIDL, being a government-owned public enterprise, had provisions under its board resolutions to levy such charges.“Perhaps the MLA wrote the letter due to lack of complete information,” he said. However, Khandre added that since serious allegations had surfaced about money being demanded in the minister’s name, an inquiry had been ordered and further action would be decided after the report was received.

Counterattack on R Ashoka

Khandre also referred to past allegations against Opposition leader R Ashoka, stating that from 1998 to 2006, when Ashoka served as chairman of the Bagar Hukum Committee, allegations had surfaced regarding the illegal allotment of nearly 2,500 acres of gomala land to ineligible beneficiaries.

He said FIRs had been registered against Ashoka and nine others in that matter.

“Later, Ashoka served as Revenue Minister from 2019 to 2023. Did he resign then?” Khandre asked.

He also mentioned allegations relating to the denotification of land in Lottegollahalli and said that politics often witnessed baseless accusations.

Khandre advised Opposition leaders to exercise patience and wait for the inquiry findings.“The people of Karnataka know what happened during the BJP government’s tenure. BJP leaders are accustomed to secret dealings and assume everyone else is also corrupt,” he said in a sharp attack on the Opposition.

He further said that despite the government immediately ordering an inquiry, continuing to level allegations without evidence did not reflect well on Opposition leaders.“Opposition parties have no other issues to raise against the government. Even after ordering an inquiry, making repeated accusations is not appropriate,” Khandre said.

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Bharath Anjanappa

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Bharath Anjanappa is an experienced journalist specializing in Politics and Civic issues. With over a decade (2012 till date) of writing expertise, he handles or contributes towards Bengaluru sector/area. Bharath Anjanappa has completed his graduation/post-graduation from Bangalore University (with a specialization in Finance, Marketing and HR). When not immersed in writing, he can be found spending time farming. Bharath Anjanappa is an accomplished writer with a passion for writing on current political situation and Civic issues. With 12 years of experience, he has honed his craft in various genres, including entertainment, crime, education and Politics. Bharath's diverse family history and embracing cultures have enriched his writing with unique perspectives.

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