BJP demands judicial probe against Speaker U.T. Khader over ‘corruption’ allegations

Karnataka: The political temperature in Karnataka rose on Tuesday after former Assembly Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri accused current Speaker U.T. Khader of misusing government funds and demanded a probe by a sitting High Court judge into alleged irregularities in the Speaker’s office.

Speaking to reporters, Kageri questioned the necessity and intent behind the Speaker’s recent administrative expenses. “From providing food and refreshments to changing carpets and furnishing, several questionable expenditures have been made in the Speaker’s office. What was the need for all this? These actions raise serious suspicions,” he said.

Kageri alleged that public money was being spent lavishly without transparency or accountability. “The Speaker’s office should set an example of austerity and integrity. Instead, what we are witnessing looks like misuse of office and misappropriation of funds,” he added.

BJP seeks independent inquiry

The BJP has now formally demanded that the state government constitute an inquiry headed by a sitting judge to investigate the matter. “A mere departmental probe will not suffice. Since this involves the Speaker’s office — a constitutional position — only an independent judicial inquiry can bring out the truth,” Kageri stated.

He said that public money is being used for personal prestige and not for institutional purposes. “When the government itself is struggling with financial shortages, such spending in the Speaker’s office is unethical and unacceptable,” he said.

Political storm brewing

The Congress, however, dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. Sources close to Speaker Khader said that all expenditures were made following due process and administrative approval. They accused the BJP of attempting to divert attention from its own internal issues and corruption charges faced by several of its leaders.

Nevertheless, BJP leaders are preparing to raise the issue in the upcoming winter session of the Assembly, signaling that the controversy could escalate further.

The demand for a judicial inquiry against a sitting Speaker is a rare and politically sensitive move, likely to deepen tensions between the ruling Congress and opposition BJP in the run-up to key local body elections.

Also Read: CM Siddaramaiah launches new police ‘peak cap’, urges professionalism and discipline among force