Sun Apr 13 14:29:33 UTC 2025: **BJP MLA Accuses Karnataka Deputy CM of ₹2000 Crore Corruption in Bengaluru Storm Water Drain Project**
Bengaluru, April 13, 2025 – A political storm is brewing in Karnataka following allegations of corruption leveled against Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar. BJP MLA Munirathna, a known rival of Shivakumar, filed a complaint with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Sunday, accusing Shivakumar of orchestrating corruption in a ₹2000 crore World Bank-funded project to revamp Bengaluru’s storm water drains (SWDs).
Munirathna alleges that Shivakumar bypassed global tenders, favoring select contractors and violating the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act, 1999. He specifically named Star Chandru, a Congress MP candidate, as a potential beneficiary. This isn’t the first time Munirathna has made these allegations; he previously filed complaints with central agencies and the Karnataka Lokayukta. He plans to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the High Court on Tuesday.
In response, Shivakumar pointed to an ongoing rape case against Munirathna, suggesting the allegations are politically motivated. The case involves an alleged assault in Vidhana Soudha, while Munirathna was a minister in the previous BJP government. The ongoing feud between the two politicians, stemming from Munirathna’s 2019 switch from Congress to BJP, adds further complexity to the situation. The allegations promise to intensify political tensions in the state.
First Piper 