Karnataka Congress launches PayCM campaign over graft charges

BENGALURU: The members of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) on Wednesday launched a novel campaign against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government by bringing out posters having a QR (Quick Response) code along with the picture of Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai. The poster, which was pasted in public places, accuses the government of taking 40 per cent commission from contractors carrying out government works.

In its Twitter message, KPCC stated that the party has started #PayCM campaigning targeting the BJP-led state government over the 40 per cent commission charge. The poster stated “scan this QR Code to make the CM Pay for Corruption.”

It may be recalled here that Karnataka Contractors Association led by its president Kempanna had levelled allegations against the BJP government that 40 per cent commission has to be paid for the works carried out by contractors. Kempanna went on to allege that commission went upto 50 per cent in Bruhat Bengaluru Nagara Palike (BBMP).

The posters of QR code carrying pictures of Mr Basavaraj Bommai were pasted in rows near the Chief Minister’s residence on Race Course Road of the city.

A couple of days back, former Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah had demanded a probe into the allegations levelled by the contractors association and questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the charges made by the contractors association.

Learning about the posters in Bengaluru, BBMP officials acted against the posters of the Chief Minister and were engaged in removing them.