Corruption claims against Karnataka Congress MLA casts shadow over cabinet hopes
A Bengaluru resident has submitted a complaint to Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot seeking an independent probe into alleged corruption and irregularities involving Congress MLA and former Social Welfare Minister HC Mahadevappa.
The complaint alleges misuse of welfare funds, manipulation of tenders issued by the Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society (KREIS), fabrication of records and abuse of official position during Mahadevappa’s tenure as a minister.
According to the representation, the Governor has been urged to order a time-bound investigation into the award of several high-value tenders and verify the authenticity of documents submitted by contractors. The complainant has also sought action against those found responsible and called for Mahadevappa’s disqualification from the Legislative Assembly if the allegations are established.
The development comes at a politically sensitive time, with Mahadevappa considered a contender for a berth in the Karnataka cabinet expansion expected before the end of the month.
The complaint has surfaced amid intense lobbying within the ruling Congress ahead of the cabinet reshuffle. Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra recently alleged that competition for ministerial positions had triggered a fresh round of factional politics within the party.
Speaking to India Today on Friday, Vijayendra criticised the Congress government, claiming the past three years had been consumed by internal power struggles. He alleged that newly appointed Chief Minister DK Shivakumar would spend much of the remaining term focused on retaining his position rather than governance.
The BJP leader also claimed that several Congress legislators were camping in Delhi in pursuit of ministerial berths and alleged that Shivakumar was attempting to keep leaders associated with former chief minister Siddaramaiah’s camp, including Mahadevappa and BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan, out of the cabinet.
Earlier, Dalit organisations staged protests at Freedom Park in Bengaluru demanding that Mahadevappa, a senior Dalit leader and former minister, be included in the new cabinet.
Neither Mahadevappa nor the Congress has publicly responded to the allegations contained in the complaint. The allegations remain unverified, and no findings have been made by any investigating agency.
