An audio clip of Karnataka Congress MLA B.R. Patil has gone viral, alleging corruption in the Housing Department. The BJP has demanded the minister's resignation and a judicial inquiry.
Karnataka: Karnataka's political landscape is once again abuzz with controversy. This time, the focus is on an alleged audio clip of Congress MLA B.R. Patil, circulating widely on social media. In the clip, Patil levels serious allegations of corruption within the Housing Department. He claims that revealing his full knowledge would shake the government's foundation.
MLA's Serious Allegations Against Housing Department
B.R. Patil, MLA from Aland constituency in Kalaburagi district, also serves as the Vice-President of the Karnataka State Planning Commission. The viral audio clip allegedly features a phone conversation between him and Sarfaraz Khan, the private secretary to Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan. Patil alleges that housing allocations in his constituency were made only to those who paid bribes. He further claims that his recommendations have been completely ignored.
Congress MLA's Discontent Clearly Expressed
In the audio clip, MLA Patil states, "I am saddened to have to speak against my own government. 950 houses have been distributed in my constituency through bribery. If I make this public, it will cause a major upheaval."
Government Representative's Response
In the clip, Sarfaraz Khan, the minister's private secretary, attempts to appease the MLA, urging him to submit a list of his recommendations so that his constituents can receive housing. However, the conversation clearly reveals the MLA's deep dissatisfaction with the department's procedures.
BJP Demands Minister's Resignation
Following the release of the audio clip, the BJP has taken the matter seriously, demanding the resignation of Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan. BJP leaders argue that the credibility of the government is questionable when its own MLA is making such allegations.
Opposition Directly Attacks Chief Minister
Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, R. Ashok, launched a scathing attack on the Congress. He pointed out that the Chief Minister's economic advisor, Basavaraj Raireddy, had previously commented on rising corruption in the state. Now, Congress MLA B.R. Patil's allegations further strengthen this claim. The BJP has urged the MLA to present any evidence or information he possesses to the Lokayukta (anti-corruption ombudsman).
Neither MLA B.R. Patil nor the Congress party has issued any official statement regarding the audio clip. This silence has further fueled speculation within political circles.
