Bengaluru, 12 April

Former chief minister and BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday demanded that the newly announced Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe include allegations of 60 per cent commission against the current Congress-led government, alongside the existing inquiry into the BJP’s tenure.

His remarks follow the Cabinet’s decision to form an SIT based on the Justice Nagmohan Das Commission’s report, which investigated claims of a 40 per cent commission in civil works during the previous BJP regime. The one-man panel, headed by retired High Court judge Nagmohan Das, submitted a 20,000-page report last month.

Bommai accused the Congress government of covering up its own alleged corruption and called for the SIT to also examine charges made by contractor associations, including those in public works, excise, and electricity, who have claimed rampant 60 per cent commission under the current government.

He further demanded that the findings of the earlier commission on the 40 per cent allegations be made public, questioning why the government has withheld it.

On payments for completed works, Bommai claimed the Congress government lacks funds, which is discouraging contractors from taking up new projects.

He also criticised the handling of the caste census, alleging it was disguised as a socio-economic survey and lacked transparency. He said the Backward Classes Commission report was not signed by key members and accused the government of political manoeuvring instead of genuine concern for backward communities.

He concluded by questioning Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s commitment to social justice.