The war of words between Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and opposition leader in the assembly R Ashoka escalated on Thursday over alleged irregularities in Bengaluru's Rs 39,437-crore waste management tender.
Shivakumar Accuses Ashoka of Acting for Waste Mafia
Rejecting Ashoka's allegations of corruption in the tender process, Shivakumar accused the senior BJP MLA of acting as a spokesperson for the city's waste management mafia. "Ashoka is speaking as an agent of Bengaluru's waste mafia. I had earlier discussed with him the need to rein in this lobby. It is surprising that he is now acting as its spokesperson," Shivakumar said.
The Chief Minister maintained that the tender process is transparent and challenged the opposition to seek any investigation it wanted. "Even if there is a misuse of Rs 10 crore, I am ready to face an inquiry," he asserted.
Ashoka Responds Sharply
Ashoka responded sharply, saying he is indeed an "agent", but only of the people of Karnataka and Bengaluru. "It is my constitutional duty to question the government's actions. I do not need anyone's permission to do so," he said in a post on X.
The opposition leader challenged the government to make public the report of a high-level committee set up to examine the tender process. "If the government is truly transparent, it should release the report immediately instead of hiding it. Let the people of the state decide the truth," he said.
This exchange marks a significant escalation in the political confrontation over the waste management contract, which has been a contentious issue in Bengaluru. The tender, valued at nearly Rs 40,000 crore, is one of the largest municipal contracts in the city's history and has drawn scrutiny from various quarters.
Shivakumar's allegations of a waste mafia operating in Bengaluru add a new dimension to the debate, suggesting that the opposition leader may be colluding with vested interests. However, Ashoka's stance appears to be gaining traction among critics who demand greater transparency in the tender process.
The high-level committee's report, which Ashoka has demanded be made public, is expected to shed light on the procedures followed and any potential irregularities. Until then, the political slugfest is likely to continue, with both sides digging in their heels.
