Contractors’ Association Alleges Rise in Corruption Under Congress Government; ₹37,000 Crore Bills Pending

Madikeri ; The state contractors association has levelled serious allegations against the ruling Congress government, claiming that corruption and commission practices have increased compared to the previous BJP administration. Association President R. Manjunath expressed strong dissatisfaction, stating that pending bills worth ₹37,000 crore have not been cleared and that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has failed to respond to their repeated appeals.

Addressing the media, Manjunath said that contractors had supported the Congress party during its struggle against the previous government and had played a role in bringing it to power. “We fought under the leadership of Kempanna, and our movement contributed to Siddaramaiah becoming Chief Minister. Yet, the government has not extended any cooperation to us. The CM has not even invited us for a courtesy meeting so far,” he alleged.

According to the association, pending dues across the state have reached ₹37,000 crore, including ₹180 crore in Kodagu district alone. Manjunath said representatives have been touring districts to console affected contractors and have submitted a detailed 100-page memorandum to the Chief Secretary. He further claimed that even the Public Works Department (PWD) Minister has not responded to their concerns.

In protest against the delay in payments, the association has called for a massive demonstration at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on March 5, during which contractors will halt work statewide. “If the government still fails to respond, we will escalate the agitation by suspending work for an entire week,” Manjunath warned.

He also alleged irregularities in administrative functioning, claiming that private individuals are influencing ministers to get work sanctioned—something he described as unprecedented. “We have never seen such a system before. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had earlier promised that no commission would be taken if Congress came to power. But now those assurances seem forgotten. Corruption is higher under this government than it was under the previous one,” he charged.

The association had earlier written to the Chief Minister accusing the government of doubling commission rates for bill clearances compared to the BJP regime. The letter reportedly reminded Siddaramaiah of his assurance, made while he was Leader of the Opposition, that no commissions would be demanded if Congress assumed office.

The allegations have intensified political tensions in the state, with contractors demanding immediate clearance of pending bills and greater transparency in public works administration.