Fri Sep 13 07:47:43 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Faces Fresh Corruption Allegations: ₹68 Crore Bus Shelter Scam

**Bengaluru, August 4, 2024** – Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is facing another corruption allegation, this time involving a reported ₹68 crore scam related to the misuse of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) bus shelters. A private complaint filed by BJP leader and RTI activist N.R. Ramesh alleges that the Siddaramaiah government, during its previous term (2013-2018), used 493 BBMP bus shelters for promotional activities without paying the required advertisement fees.

According to Ramesh, the government utilized these shelters for promoting its achievements but failed to pay the stipulated ₹68.14 crore to the BBMP, a civic body with limited revenue sources that relies on property tax, trade license fees, and advertisement revenue.

Ramesh claims that in 2017, the BBMP issued a demand notice to the government for ₹12.98 crore, but it was ignored. Following Siddaramaiah’s return as Chief Minister in 2023, the Lokayukta police reportedly closed the investigation into the alleged ₹68.14 crore scam on July 26, 2024, despite substantial evidence presented by Ramesh.

Ramesh has filed a private complaint with the Special Court for MLAs/MPs in Bengaluru, demanding an investigation into the alleged scam. The complaint also names Energy Minister K.J. George, former Principal Secretary Lakshminarayan, and other officials.

This latest allegation comes as Siddaramaiah is already embroiled in a corruption case concerning the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), with the Karnataka Governor ordering his prosecution. The Chief Minister has challenged the Governor’s order in the High Court.

Siddaramaiah is yet to respond to these latest allegations. The Special Court is expected to decide on the complaint and whether to order an investigation into the matter.

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