Karnataka polls | 'CM post for ₹2500 cr': Cong steps up attack with BJP 'rate card'

The Congress on Friday (May 5) described the outgoing BJP government in Karnataka as “corrupt” and accused it of having “sold governance” in the southern state.

Ahead of the May 10 Karnataka assembly election, the Congress also came out with a “rate card” of alleged BJP corruption in Karnataka and advertised the same in local newspapers. Stepping up its attack on the ruling BJP, the Congress alleged that the Karnataka chief minister’s post was up for grabs for Rs 2,500 crore and the rate of a ministerial post is Rs 500 crore.

The image also features figures for “Appointment and Transfer Rates”, “Job Rates”, and alleged commission for government deals. “Kannadigas! Here is the corruption rate card of the ‘TROUBLE ENGINE’ 40% Sarkara,” reads a tweet by the Congress party.

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The Congress alleged that the BJP government looted Rs 1.5 lakh crore from the people of Karnataka over the last four years while dubbing it a “trouble engine” regime. The party exhorted the electorate to “stop the loot” and vote for change, development and progress. The Congress has been hitting out at the BJP government in Karnataka with the “40% commission Sarkar” jibe.

Kannadigas!

Here is the corruption rate card of the ‘TROUBLE ENGINE’ 40% Sarkara. pic.twitter.com/6hKayIIeuC

— Congress (@INCIndia) May 5, 2023

The “40% commission” row erupted in the southern state following the death of Belagavi-based contractor Santosh Patil who had earlier alleged that then minister KS Eshwarappa demanded 40% commission for the release of funds for the civil works undertaken by him at a village.

Posting a photo of the “corruption rates” poster released by the Congress, the party’s general secretary, communications, Jairam Ramesh tweeted, “The rate at which BJP has sold governance in Karnataka. This is the BJP double engine of DelhiJhoot and BengaluruLoot.”

The Digit “40” is ingrained in BJP!

The 40 KM roadshow in #Bengaluru by Prime Minister today seems to depict the symbolism of #40PercentBJPSarkara !

As #Manipur burns, PM is busy electioneering. Is this the way PM follows Raj Dharma?

— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) May 5, 2023

Also read: Karnataka polls: How Kharge’s spirited campaign has enthused Congress

Congress general secretary in-charge of Karnataka Randeep Surjewala tweeted, “The Digit 40 is ingrained in BJP! The 40 km roadshow in Bengaluru by the prime minister on Friday seems to depict the symbolism of 40% BJP Sarkara! As Manipur burns, PM is busy electioneering. Is this the way PM follows Raj Dharma?”

The Congress is seeking to wrest power from the BJP in Karnataka, the only state in southern India where the saffron party is in power.

(With Agency inputs)