Karnataka: Twin suicides over ‘corruption’ place Congress in BJP’s 2022 shoes

The Congress government in Karnataka is under intense scrutiny following two suicides linked to allegations of corruption and non-payment of dues. These incidents have provided the Opposition BJP with ammunition to target the ruling party, accusing it of fostering a corrupt environment.

The suicides of Prasanna G and Chandrashekhar have underlined critical issues of corruption and harassment within the Karnataka government, triggering a political slugfest. As investigations proceed, the focus will remain on ensuring justice for the victims and addressing the systemic problems that led to these tragic events. However, the political ramifications continue to unfold, with the BJP leveraging these incidents to challenge the Congress government’s integrity.

Officials named in note

Prasanna G, a 50-year-old contractor, allegedly died by suicide in Santebennur in Dawanagere, around 265 km from Bengaluru, on May 26 due to non-payment for work.

In his suicide note, Prasanna accused the Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL) of withholding payments amounting to Rs 40 lakh for a project completed in fiscal year 2023-24. He also accused his brothers, Nagaraj and Srinivas, alongside KRIDL officials, of financial and mental harassment.

His suicide has now assumed a political dimension following recent revelations. It has surfaced that KRIDL consolidated seven disparate projects into a single endeavour.

As per an order dated May 30, 2024, issued by the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, a three-member committee headed by Special Secretary Chandrashekhar has been constituted to investigate the circumstances surrounding the contractor's demise. This development indirectly points at allegations of corruption in the disbursement of funds to the contractor.

Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge has asserted that these projects were initiated during the previous BJP government's tenure. However, the order indicates that administrative approval for amalgamating the seven projects into one was accorded on February 14, 2024.

Furthermore, the order discloses that KRIDL put forth the proposal for consolidating these projects into a single entity during Kharge's stint as the rural development and panchayat raj minister.

Embezzlement of funds?

Close on the heels of Prasanna’s death, another incident rocked the state when Chandrashekhar, a 48-year-old superintendent with the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation, allegedly died by suicide in Shivamogga (300 km from Bengaluru) on May 28.

Chandrashekhar's six-page suicide note accused key officials, including Managing Director Padmanabha and Accounts Manager Parashuram Durganna, of financial mismanagement and diversion of funds. He also hinted at the involvement of Tribal Welfare Minister B Nagendra, though his name was not explicitly mentioned.

Chandrashekhar’s note suggested the diversion of Rs 80-85 crore from the allocated funds for the corporation, alleging embezzlement by the implicated officials. This has led to significant public outcry and calls for a thorough probe.

BJP's political offensive

The BJP has seized upon these incidents to attack the Congress government. The Opposition party is drawing parallels between these suicides and a similar incident in 2022 when contractor Santosh K Patil accused then Rural Development Minister KS Eshwarappa of demanding a 40% commission for work contracts.

Patil's subsequent suicide and the allegations against Eshwarappa played a significant role in the Congress' campaign against the BJP, ultimately leading to Eshwarappa's resignation.

As the tables have turned, the BJP is now demanding the resignation of Nagendra and Kharge, accusing the Congress of hypocrisy. The party has threatened to launch state-wide protests unless both ministers are removed from their positions, citing misappropriation of funds and serious allegations levelled in the suicide notes of Prasanna and Chandrashekhar.

The BJP intends to take this issue to the national level as the rural development department is headed by Priyank Kharge, son of Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, though Prasanna’s suicide doesn’t mention his name. However, in the second case, Chandrashekhar’s suicide note mentions "verbal instructions" from the minister’s office, though it does not openly name Nagendra.

Congress' predicament

The ruling Congress is now busy making an assessment of the entire situation and planning to act accordingly.

Interestingly, the party that returned to power on the plank of rooting out corruption now faces similar allegations in just over a year of its term in the office. Analysts suggest that these incidents pose a significant challenge to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

While Priyank Kharge tweeted saying he has ordered an inquiry into the suicide of the contractor and his pending bills, B Nagendra has said necessary legal action will be taken against the accused in Chandrasekhar's suicide case.

According to Congress sources, the party doesn’t anticipate much problem in Prasanna’s suicide case as he has named officials as well as his relatives in the suicide note. However, the suicide case of Chandrashekhar poses a serious challenge as it mentions "verbal orders" from the minister’s office.

Consequently, as investigations proceed and political tensions escalate, the Congress in Karnataka finds itself at a critical juncture, grappling with the aftermath of these tragic events and their broader implications on governance and accountability.

(Suicides can be prevented. For help please call Suicide Prevention Helplines: Neha Suicide Prevention Centre – 044-24640050; Aasara helpline for suicide prevention, emotional support & trauma help — +91-9820466726; Kiran, Mental health rehabilitation — 1800-599-0019, Disha 0471- 2552056, Maithri 0484 2540530, and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050.)