RR Nagar MLA Munirathna seeks change of Bengaluru Minister

Bengaluru: Former minister and RR Nagar MLA Munirathna has requested Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to appoint a new district in-charge minister for the city, claiming that Hyderabad has overtaken Bengaluru on many fronts.

He also alleged rampant corruption in key departments such as the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), saying it is driving Bengaluru backwards over the last two years. 

In a letter dated February 13, Munirathna alleged that contractors from Andhra Pradesh have offered advance payments of 12% and 8% at the time of issuing work orders, and another 15% at the time of bill payment, totaling 35% for a project.

He also noted that a meeting with associates of an Andhra Pradesh minister was held at a five-star hotel in Bengaluru, where the advance was paid.

The letter, however, does not specify the project in question.

The RR Nagar MLA has asked the chief minister to convene a meeting with all Bengaluru legislators to announce the allocation of funds for each constituency.

Not pleased with DK Shivakumar, the BJP MLA suggested alternative candidates for the role, including former Bengaluru development ministers Ramalinga Reddy or KJ George, or senior legislators like Krishna Byre Gowda, M Krishnappa or Dinesh Gundu Rao.

"For obtaining building plan approval, a bribe of Rs 150 per square foot has been fixed. In the name of investigation, 10 per cent is being sought from contractors for releasing the bills. The chief engineers have been turned into agents of contractors,” he alleged.