Bengaluru: The standoff between the Contractors’ Association and the Karnataka government has intensified, with contractors alleging that seven ministers from the Kalyana Karnataka region are directly linked to delays in clearing bills worth nearly ₹38,000 crore.
The association has announced a statewide protest and work stoppage from March 5 if pending dues are not released.
Allegations Against Seven Ministers
Addressing the media, Contractors’ Association president Manjunath alleged that payments linked to seven departments headed by ministers from the Kalyana Karnataka region have been deliberately stalled.
“Our maximum problems are coming from seven ministerial departments. Files are not moving, payments are stuck, and contractors are being pushed to the brink,” he said.
The association claimed it holds department-wise details of pending bills and is prepared to submit them to constitutional authorities.
Commission Culture Alleged
Contractors further alleged that bill clearances are being linked to percentage-based demands, stating that without paying commissions, payments remain frozen.
“We are being pressured indirectly. If we refuse, our bills do not move. This is not governance, this is harassment,” Manjunath alleged.
Agents, Middlemen and Departments
A particularly serious charge was raised about the growing influence of agents and intermediaries operating inside departments.
The Urban Development Department was specifically mentioned as an area where such practices are allegedly increasing.
“Agents decide who gets paid and who doesn’t. Contractors who refuse to comply are sidelined,” the association claimed.
Appeals to National Leadership
The association confirmed that representations have been sent to Rahul Gandhi, and similar memorandums will be submitted to Mallikarjun Kharge and the Governor, seeking intervention.
March 5 Deadline
Contractors warned that if no action is taken by March 5:
- All contractor works across Karnataka will be halted
- Statewide protests will begin
- District-level tours across all 31 districts will be conducted
- Alleged commission practices may be publicly disclosed
“This Is About Survival”
Contractors stressed that prolonged non-payment has pushed many into debt, affecting not just businesses but thousands of workers.
“Nearly 1.5 lakh workers depend on us. One unpaid bill can destroy a contractor’s life,” the association said.
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