BJP MLA in Karnataka demanded crores as bribe: audio clip reveals
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MLA GH Thippareddy
Bengaluru: A BJP lawmaker in Karnataka is heard in a leaked audio clip demanding bribe from one of the construction contractors in the state.
Lawmaker GH Thippareddy is allegedly caught pressing for bribe from The Karnataka State Contractors Association’s vice-president R Manjunath, The News Minute reported.
Manjunath reportedly paid Thippareddy 25% of the bribe amount he was demanded to carry out construction works.
The Association officials threatened they would reveal more call recordings of several other ministers demanding bribes should the government fail to respond to their demands.
“We have more call recordings of conversations with 13-15 ministers demanding bribes, and we will release them in the coming days.” Manjunath reportedly said.
The contractors asked for judicial inquiry into the allegations of 40% commissions in state government contracts and the payment of pending bills totaling Rs 25,000 crore.
In the audio recording, Manjunath can be heard saying that he will give the demanded bribe.
Thippareddy’s voice is reportedly heard as responding to Manjunath, seeking time to speak.
Manjunath, who claimed to be in the construction business for two decades, said the BJP MLA demanded bribes for the construction of buildings in Chitradurga. He said he had already paid money in instalments.
Meanwhile, the contractors said they are cash strapped as the government is not responding to their demands despite petitioning authorities.
Meanwhile, MLA MLA Thippareddy denied the allegations, terming them as false accusations stemming from personal enmity.
Thippareddy said when contractors make underground drainage they dig up cement road, releasing affluent from septic tanks in front of houses. Questioning them invites allegations of bribe, he reportedly said.
Meanwhile, the contractors association decided to fight against corruption in the government contracts, alongside launching statewide protest on January 18 raising several demands.
The protest, according to contractors, is the last resort after writing hundreds of letters to the Chief Minister, ministers and various officials.
