Karnataka Minister Shivalinge Gowda’s Remark Sparks Bribery Row
BJP criticises the Excise Minister over his comments at a public grievance meeting, while Gowda says his words were misinterpreted
Bengaluru: Karnataka Excise Minister and Hassan district in charge minister K.M. Shivalinge Gowda has come under criticism following remarks he made during a Praja Seva Andolana programme in Sakleshpur.
The controversy began when members of the public complained about government officials allegedly demanding money to complete official work. In response, Gowda said that officials would do their duties and remarked that people could offer whatever they wished respectfully, while adding that officials should not forcibly demand money.
The comments drew objections from some people at the venue, with questions being raised about why citizens should give additional money to government employees who are already paid to perform their duties. The remarks were later widely circulated on social media, triggering a political controversy.
The BJP criticised the minister over the statement. Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka accused the Congress government of encouraging bribery, while BJP MLA Bharat Shetty also criticised Gowda and interpreted the remarks as advice on how to offer bribes to government officials.
Gowda later clarified his position, saying that his remarks had been misunderstood. He said he was referring to showing respect and appreciation to officials who perform their duties, and denied asking anyone to pay bribes. He also alleged that an edited portion of the video was being circulated to damage his reputation and that of the government.
The controversy has also reached the office of Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot. Social activist Dinesh Kallahalli has filed a complaint against the minister, alleging that the remarks encouraged corruption and seeking action under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The controversy remains centred on the interpretation of Gowda’s original remarks, with critics viewing them as a reference to unofficial payments, while the minister maintains that he was speaking about respecting officials who perform their duties.