Bengaluru, 20 June

Congress MLA from Aland BR Patil's purported phone conversation expressing displeasure about alleged bribery in the allotment of houses seems to have caused embarrassment to his own party government in Karnataka, with the Opposition latching on to the issue to target it.

In the purported leaked conversation played by local channels, Patil, who is also Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission Deputy Chairman, has expressed his discontent with Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan's personal secretary Sarfaraz Khan, alleging that the houses under Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Limited were being allotted to those who paid bribes in his constituency.

While some senior ministers in the government seemed hesitant to make any comments on the issue, the BJP and JD(S) leaders alleged that commission, bribery and corruption were rampant in this government.

The BJP has even demanded Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seek Minister Khan's resignation and order a judicial inquiry.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shiavumar said he was not aware of it.

Home Minister G Parameshwara said if concerned Minister Khan is informed as to where and at what level things have happened, he will look into it and take necessary action.