<p>The deaths of contractors Santosh Patil and Sachin Panchal in a span of two years have exposed a disturbing pattern of corruption that continues to haunt Karnataka’s political landscape. </p><p>In 2022, Santosh Patil, took his life after accusing then BJP Minister K S Eshwarappa of demanding a bribe to clear his bills. The minister resigned, only to be exonerated by the police for “lack of evidence”. Fast forward to 2024, and the death of Sachin Panchal, another contractor from Bidar, has again brought corruption at the grassroots level into the spotlight. Panchal left behind a seven-page note accusing Raju Kapanur, a close associate of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge, of extorting money and issuing death threats over a tender-related dispute. Though Panchal did not accuse Kharge directly, the political fallout has been swift, with the BJP demanding his resignation. These incidents underscore the pervasive nature of corruption in government contracts, transcending party lines, leaving contractors vulnerable to exploitation by politicians and bureaucrats.</p>.Bidar contractor's suicide: FIR against minister Priyank Kharge's associates.<p class="bodytext">However, the BJP’s selective outrage is equally troubling. While it demands Kharge’s resignation, it conveniently overlooks the serious charges against its own and allied leaders. Requests for prosecution of B S Yediyurappa and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy are pending before the Governor. A judicial commission listed serious corruption charges against former health minister K Sudhakar in connection with the procurement of medicines during the pandemic. The silence of the BJP leadership on these matters speaks volumes about the hypocrisy that runs through the political system.</p>.<p class="bodytext">These incidents reveal that the culture of corruption or moral turpitude is not limited to one party or government. To put an end to corruption that plagues government contracts, we must look beyond partisan politics and take systemic action. First, the entire tendering and contracting process must be overhauled to make them more transparent. Second, the Lokayukta, the anti-corruption body, must be more proactive in promptly investigating and prosecuting the corrupt. Third, the political class must lead by example. If the government is serious about tackling corruption, it must start by addressing the allegations against its own members with the same vigour it applies to opposition parties. Finally, the public must demand accountability as voter apathy and normalisation of corruption have allowed these practices to persist. Ending corruption in contracts is not just about punishing the wrongdoers; it is about creating a culture of accountability, transparency and fairness.</p>
<p>The deaths of contractors Santosh Patil and Sachin Panchal in a span of two years have exposed a disturbing pattern of corruption that continues to haunt Karnataka’s political landscape. </p><p>In 2022, Santosh Patil, took his life after accusing then BJP Minister K S Eshwarappa of demanding a bribe to clear his bills. The minister resigned, only to be exonerated by the police for “lack of evidence”. Fast forward to 2024, and the death of Sachin Panchal, another contractor from Bidar, has again brought corruption at the grassroots level into the spotlight. Panchal left behind a seven-page note accusing Raju Kapanur, a close associate of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge, of extorting money and issuing death threats over a tender-related dispute. Though Panchal did not accuse Kharge directly, the political fallout has been swift, with the BJP demanding his resignation. These incidents underscore the pervasive nature of corruption in government contracts, transcending party lines, leaving contractors vulnerable to exploitation by politicians and bureaucrats.</p>.Bidar contractor's suicide: FIR against minister Priyank Kharge's associates.<p class="bodytext">However, the BJP’s selective outrage is equally troubling. While it demands Kharge’s resignation, it conveniently overlooks the serious charges against its own and allied leaders. Requests for prosecution of B S Yediyurappa and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy are pending before the Governor. A judicial commission listed serious corruption charges against former health minister K Sudhakar in connection with the procurement of medicines during the pandemic. The silence of the BJP leadership on these matters speaks volumes about the hypocrisy that runs through the political system.</p>.<p class="bodytext">These incidents reveal that the culture of corruption or moral turpitude is not limited to one party or government. To put an end to corruption that plagues government contracts, we must look beyond partisan politics and take systemic action. First, the entire tendering and contracting process must be overhauled to make them more transparent. Second, the Lokayukta, the anti-corruption body, must be more proactive in promptly investigating and prosecuting the corrupt. Third, the political class must lead by example. If the government is serious about tackling corruption, it must start by addressing the allegations against its own members with the same vigour it applies to opposition parties. Finally, the public must demand accountability as voter apathy and normalisation of corruption have allowed these practices to persist. Ending corruption in contracts is not just about punishing the wrongdoers; it is about creating a culture of accountability, transparency and fairness.</p>
