Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has stepped in to defuse escalating tensions between the Karnataka State Contractors’ Association and the government by inviting the association’s leaders for talks at his office on Tuesday.
Association president R. Manjunath confirmed receiving the invitation and said the DCM’s intervention offers a ray of hope after months of delay in clearing contractors’ pending bills amounting to ₹33,000 crore. “We are surviving only on the assurances given by the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. They both had promised to release the dues in one phase, but our patience is running out,” Manjunath said, warning that contractors may launch a statewide agitation if payments are not cleared by December.
Contractors’ Ultimatum to Government
The association has accused the Congress-led state government of failing to honor its commitment to release payments within the promised deadline. “We have waited nearly two years. If the government fails to act by December, we will go on strike across all districts after Deepavali,” said Manjunath.
He alleged that various departments — including Irrigation (₹12,000 crore), PRD (₹3,600 crore), Minor Irrigation (₹3,200 crore), Urban Development (₹2,000 crore), and Housing Board (₹1,200 crore) — still owe contractors huge sums, forcing small contractors into debt and despair.
CM’s ‘Go to Court’ Remark Sparks Outrage
Contractors expressed anger over Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s recent statement suggesting they approach the court over pending bills. “We don’t want to go to court; we’ll protest instead,” Manjunath asserted, adding that many contractors are struggling to survive and some have reportedly attempted suicide due to unpaid dues.
Background: From BJP’s 40% Allegation to Congress’s Silence
The association, which once accused the previous BJP government of 40% commission, now claims corruption has worsened under the Congress regime. “We never said 60% or 80% as alleged, but commissions are definitely higher now,” Manjunath said, urging the government to act before the situation spirals out of control.
Government’s Move
Deputy CM Shivakumar’s call for talks is seen as a crucial step toward easing tensions. Sources in the Urban Development Department said the DCM is keen on reaching a settlement to avoid an all-out confrontation ahead of the year-end.
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