Mon Oct 20 12:50:42 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewritten version as a news article:

Summary:

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the ruling Congress government in Karnataka of collecting funds for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. BJP MPs Jagadish Shettar and B.Y. Raghavanedra allege that ministers and officials are involved in the fundraising, leading to increased corruption. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has refuted these claims, challenging the BJP to provide evidence. The BJP alleges ministers are looting to fund the Bihar campaign.

News Article:

Karnataka Govt. Denies BJP Claims of Bihar Election Fundraising

Bengaluru, October 20, 2025 – Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has strongly denied allegations made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that the state government is illicitly raising funds for the Congress party in advance of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.

The accusations, leveled by BJP MPs Jagadish Shettar and B.Y. Raghavanedra, claim that ministers and officials within the Karnataka government are actively engaged in a fundraising drive to support the Congress campaign in Bihar. Shettar went so far as to claim that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah hosted a dinner where the target was set for the ministers to collect money to be sent to Bihar polls. According to the BJP, this alleged activity has fueled corruption within the state.

“If they have any evidence, let them release it,” Shivakumar retorted in a press conference today. “Let Raghavendra not become synonymous with lies. There are some leaders who do hit and run; let Raghavendra, too, not become the same.”

Raghavanedra asserted that ministers are exploiting officials to gather funds, a practice he characterized as a primary business for the ruling Congress in Karnataka. Shettar further stated that Karnataka serves as an “ATM” for the Congress high command, explaining the alleged increase in commission rates cited by government officials.

The Bihar Assembly elections are scheduled to take place in two phases, on November 6 and 11, with the vote count set for November 14. The back-and-forth between the political rivals suggests a brewing battle.

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