The ongoing complaints regarding contractor payments in Karnataka have been turned into a significant issue by the opposition due to the silence of Siddaramaiah's government. The state's Contractors Association has written to the Chief Minister, stating that bills worth 33,000 crores are pending, impacting projects severely. They have accused the Congress era of doubling commissions.
A leader has alleged, "Siddaramaiah has lost the dignity of the Chief Minister's office. I urge him to resign promptly. With no minister openly addressing the issue or providing any clarity, it suggests that contractors are speaking the truth."
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Indeed, the Karnataka Contractors Association has leveled severe allegations against the government and ministers. The association claims that contractors face ongoing payment delays, worsening their financial conditions. Despite repeated written and verbal notifications to ministers and officials, their issues have not been addressed.
Projects Affected by Payment Delays
Contractors state that delays in payments have disrupted many projects, leaving smaller contractors burdened with debt. The association has warned that if the government does not resolve the issue soon, they will resort to protests.
The opposition, too, has taken the government to task over this issue, arguing that it is the government's responsibility to act when contractors repeatedly bring their problems before it. Leaders have termed it an "administrative failure."
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Siddaramaiah Yet to Make an Official Statement
This entire controversy has intensified the pressure on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, with the opposition demanding his resignation and contractors seeking immediate government response. As of now, there is no official statement from the government, but with the rising anger among contractors and the opposition's criticism, this issue could potentially escalate into a larger political dispute in the coming days.
