Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra Criticizes Congress Government and Highlights Valmiki Corporation Scam
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 15: Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra criticized the Congress government for halting development work in the state. He stated, “If it’s about development, there is no development going on in Karnataka. After this government comes into power, the development works have been stopped.”
Vijayendra also commented on the proposal by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) to increase bus fares. He noted that prices of essential items like milk, petrol, diesel, and stamp duty have also risen. “Everywhere, KSRTC is increasing prices. Milk prices have increased, petrol and diesel rates have increased, and stamp duty has also increased. On the other hand, in the name of guarantees, the hike in prices has caused a loss to the common man. The hands of the government have been tied because of their guarantees,” he said.
KSRTC Chairman SR Srinivas explained that the fare hike, ranging from 5 to 20 percent, is necessary due to rising oil prices and to cover operational costs and support employee benefits. This would be the first fare increase since 2019.
Vijayendra also brought attention to the Valmiki Corporation scam, accusing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of failing to uplift the ST-SC communities despite his promises. He said, “Multiple scandals and corruptions in the government headed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah have been exposed. This government assured the people of Karnataka that they would have a corrupt-free government. Siddaramaiah, before he became Chief Minister, had assured SC-ST people that he would look into the upliftment of those communities. But this government has failed.”
On July 13, a Bengaluru Court granted judicial custody to former Karnataka Minister B Nagendra in connection with the alleged multi-crore Valmiki Corporation Scam. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Nagendra and produced him before the Court. The ED had detained Nagendra on July 12, following raids linked to him and MLA Basanagouda Daddal.
The corruption case of Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation came to light after an official, Chandrasekaran, died by suicide and left a note alleging multi-crore corruption. Chandrasekaran, a superintendent with the MVDC, mentioned the names of three officials in his six-page suicide note, demanding action against them.
