Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha M. Mallikarjun Kharge held Prime Minister Narendra Modi responsible for the death of Santosh Patil, a contractor who had accused Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister K.S. Eshwarappa of demanding 40% commission.
Speaking to media representatives in Kalaburagi on Tuesday, Mr. Kharge said that Mr. Modi did not take any action even after contractors from the State wrote to him complaining about the 40% commission being demanded by the Government functionaries in the State.
“Mr. Modi took no action even after the contractors from the State wrote to him accusing the Government officers and Ministers of demanding 40% commission for clearing the bills. Percentage politics ruling the roost in the State is a well-known fact. Yet, Mr. Modi did not pay attention to it. At least now, after a contractor has committed suicide for the same reason, Mr. Modi should look at what is happening in Karnataka,” Mr. Kharge said.
Mr. Kharge also said that he had alerted Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on the allegation of 40% commission being demanded by the Government authorities and added that the latter took no action.
When asked about the enforcement directorate questioning him in connection with the money laundering probe in the National Herald case, the senior congressman declined to respond.
