Belagavi, 18 Dec

Accusing the Congress government in Karnataka of rampant corruption, State BJP President BY Vijayendra on Thursday alleged that the money collected through “loot and by emptying the State’s coffers” is being paid to the party High Command, to continue in power.

Hitting back, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar called Vijayendra as “king of collection, and held him responsible for ruining his father and former chief minister BS Yediyurappa’s name.

“We have been saying that if the Congress is in power in the State, it will turn into an ATM for their High Command,” Vijayendra told press. “Hundreds of crores were misappropriated in Valmiki ST Development Corporation. After that, one scam after the other is taking place.”

 “You may be aware that the State contractors’ association had also written a letter alleging commission,” he remarked, claiming that development works were stalled and the coffers were empty.

Vijayendra also called Siddaramaiah the “outgoing CM”.

“Which coffer is empty?” Shivakumar retorted. “Let him come and speak in the Assembly, instead of running away somewhere. Should I reveal their collections, accounts and transfers? He should speak within his limits as the party President.”

“If there is any king for collections, it is Vijayendra,” he alleged.

Shivakumar also defended Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, whom the BJP accused of giving false information about Gruhalakshmi Scheme in the House.