The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Congress alleges corruption in purchase of bicycles

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Thursday, Oct 02, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Congress alleges corruption in purchase of bicycles

Special Correspondent

V.S. Ugrappa

BANGALORE: A day after the Bharatiya Janata Party Government ordered Lokayukta inquiries into five development projects and appointments in Government service, the Congress on Wednesday alleged corruption in the purchase of bicycles meant for distribution for high schools students belonging to below the poverty line families and demanded a probe into the matter.

Addressing presspersons here, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council V.S. Ugrappa alleged that the BJP Government had misappropriated a huge amount of money in the purchase of bicycles from private firms. To tarnish the image of some politicians, the Government has now ordered the Karnataka Lokayukta probe into selective cases, he said and sought a detailed probe either by the Lokayukta or by the House committee into purchase of bicycles.

BBMP polls

Referring to elections to the Council of the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), he said the BJP Government was scared of facing elections to the corporation following its miserable performance in the last four months. The Government had even disobeyed the directions of the Karnataka High Court. On July 2 last, the court had directed the government to conduct polls in three months, he said.

P.R. Ramesh, former Mayor, in his contempt petition, said that the State and other authorities had wilfully disobeyed the High Court order and that they had not made any effort to hold the elections. Meanwhile, Transport Minster R. Ashok said the Government was committed to holding elections to the BBMP council. As many as 200 objections had been received for the notification issued for delimitation of wards. The Government has decided to hold elections after completing all the process, including voters’ list, he said.

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