Overdue: Hindu editorial on resignation of Karnataka minister Eshwarappa

After the completion Booked by Udupi Town Police in a matter relating to abetment of suicide of a contractorIt was impossible for Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister KS Eshwarappa to continue in his post. Contractor Santosh Patil had alleged that he and other contractors had done some work for a temple fair in Belagavi district after the minister asked some gram panchayat members to go ahead with the project and the minister’s aides paid a commission of Rs 40. had demanded. % When contacted for payment of bills. While Mr. Eshwarappa has denied this, citing lack of work orders as evidence, the allegations made by the deceased contractor are in line with that Karnataka State Contractors Association (KSCA) is suggesting: The “unprecedented 40% kickback” in state government contracts and several complaints especially against Mr. Eshwarappa and other state ministers and legislators. These allegations are also not new. in July 2021 a letter to the prime minister, the association said the same thing – that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government machinery was taking bribes of up to 40% for the approval of government contracts and contractor bills, and that the rot was systemic, including elected representatives. involved and bureaucracy. These allegations were followed by a change of government (a new chief minister) and the announcement of committees headed by retired judges to examine tender estimates and conditions. But if KSCA’s views are accurate, little seems to have changed on the ground.

It is also clear that the kickbacks have been a systemic political problem, given that KSCA’s concern was about the high commission rate, and not just the existence of these bribes to lubricate the palm of an officer. But the shamelessness of demanding bribe and commission by those in power is in front of everyone. This should again surprise no one as the BJP managed to gain power by ousting MLAs from other parties and newcomers to power would not have had the incentive to move, but for lucrative gains. If anything, the BJP and Sangh Parivar allies in the state have tried to divert people’s attention – rather successfully – from the issue of corruption by raising communal issues that have affected public order. But Patil’s death and Mr. Eshwarappa’s resignation have dealt a blow to the ruling party. Events have focused on corruption and poor governance, which should be a curse on a state that hosts India’s own version of Silicon Valley and is a key engine in India’s economic growth.