Belagavi, Karnataka – The political climate in Karnataka is heating up as accusations of corruption fly between key figures of the ruling Congress party and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The latest salvo involves a heated exchange between BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, with both leaders leveling accusations of corruption against each other.

Vijayendra, on Thursday, accused the Congress government of "rampant corruption," alleging that the state's coffers are being emptied to pay the party high command in Delhi to maintain their grip on power. He claimed that the Congress government has turned Karnataka into an ATM for their high command. Vijayendra pointed to alleged misappropriations of hundreds of crores of rupees in the Valmiki ST Development Corporation and a series of subsequent scams as evidence. He further alleged that money is being collected from contractors to satisfy the Congress high command, referencing a letter from the state contractors' association alleging commission. Vijayendra asserted that no development works are taking place under the current government, only corruption. "Continuing in power by satisfying the Congress high command, looting the state and emptying its coffers, is the only thing that is happening in this government," he stated.

Shivakumar retaliated sharply, branding Vijayendra as the "king of collection". He held Vijayendra responsible for tarnishing the reputation of his father, former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa. "If there is anyone who deserves to be called a 'collection king', it is Vijayendra. He is the reason his father's name got spoiled. He should not forget that," Shivakumar stated. Responding to Vijayendra's allegations about the emptied state treasury and increased corruption, Shivakumar questioned, "Which treasury has been emptied? Should we open up their collections, their accounts and transactions?". He challenged Vijayendra to raise these issues in the Assembly, stating he knew what needed to be said if Vijayendra spoke there. Shivakumar also took a dig at the BJP leader, remarking on his lack of experience.

Adding to the political turmoil, allegations of illegal land acquisition have surfaced against Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda. Shivakumar, while addressing the media in Belagavi, defended the government's decisions, stating they had taken farmer-friendly steps despite the financial burden. He mentioned resolutions to issues concerning sugarcane and maize prices and assured that the Chief Minister and Revenue Minister would address concerns related to North Karnataka. He also refuted BJP allegations that Minister for Women and Child Welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar provided incorrect information regarding the Gruha Lakshmi Scheme.