KALABURAGI: Aland Congress MLA BR Patil, who had alleged corruption in the allotment of houses under the housing scheme a few days ago, reaffirmed his allegations here on Monday.
Patil, who is also Deputy Chairman of the Karnataka State Planning Commission, said he has been receiving similar complaints over phone with regard to allotment of houses by taking bribes in Afzalpur, Yadgir and Hospet constituencies also.
He told the press here that Kagwad MLA Raju Kage had made similar allegations six months ago, and predicted that there are many MLAs who may speak out about their issues in the coming days. Patil confirmed that he has received a call from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to meet him in Bengaluru on Wednesday to discuss the issue.
Patil said the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB) has provided a grant of Rs 17 crore for the construction of Moulana Azad Model Residential School at Aland.
Though he had not demanded it, the Department of Minority Welfare has also given a grant of Rs 17 crore to the same residential school without his knowledge, and construction of the school was started without his knowledge. If the minority welfare department has released grants for the school, I could have asked KKRDB to provide the amount for other work, Patil said.
He recalled the visit of Revenue Minister Krishna Byregowda to the Bengaluru South tehsil office recently, and showing concern for the public, he asked officials to put up a board detailing how much is to be paid for a particular job.
He said he had spoken to Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan’s PA but has not made any allegations against anyone but it has become an issue, Patil said.
On Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and minister Dinesh Gundu Rao condemning his statement, Patil said they hold responsible positions and have the freedom to condemn. In a democratic set-up, welcoming and criticising is common, Patil said.
CM SUMMONS BR PATIL TO B’LURU ON JUNE 25
KALABURAGI /RAICHUR: CM Siddaramaiah has reportedly summoned MLA BR Patil for a meeting in Bengaluru on June 25, following the latter’s viral audio clip that talked about alleged bribery in allotting houses by the Housing Department. The CM’s direct call to Patil is seen as a damage-control move, amid moun-ting embarrassment for the ruling party.
Patil has repeatedly accused his own government of fostering a corrupt system. Siddar-amaiah told reporters in Raichur that he had asked Patil to come to Raichur for the Monday programme, where AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge too was present. If time permitted, we could have discussed the issue. But Patil was not interested as the organisers had not invited him. “Let him meet me in Bengaluru.
I will discuss his allegation,” he added. On Kagwad MLA Raju Kage’s complaint that there have been no development projects in his constituency and he would quit his post, Siddaramaiah said he will talk to Kage. On party MLA Belur Gopalakrishna demand for the resignation of Housing Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan, the CM said he does not know under what circumstances the demand was made. On Minister HK Patils letter on the mining scam, he said the scam did not take place during the Congress government.