MLA smells corruption in Speaker’s office, seeks HC judge-monitored probe into purchases of all materials

Alleging that there is corruption in the purchase of materials by the office of Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader, Mangaluru City North MLA Y. Bharath Shetty said here on Tuesday (October 28) that a High Court Judge-monitored investigation should be conducted into all purchases.

Speaking to reporters in Mangaluru, Dr. Shetty said that under instructions from the Speaker’s office, new bedsheets and curtains were provided to the rooms of all MLAs at Legislators’ Home in Bengaluru. Without informing the legislators, new smart door locks, smart safe lockers, stainless water purifiers and smart energy saving devices were installed in every room. New upholstery was also put in all their cars.

Expenses for all these “unnecessary” articles have been made by the Speaker’s office by taking the ‘4G’ exemption from the Finance Department for inviting bids. The price at which these articles were purchased exceeds the price at which they are available in the market.

Dr. Shetty said for the five-day Pustaka Mela (book exhibition) held in the premises of the Vidhana Soudha a few days ago, the Speaker’s office spent ₹4.5 crore. He also alleged that the new rosewood door for the office was purchased at an exorbitant cost. Private entities have been allowed to operate ‘massage’ devices in the Legislature Lounge.

When the State government does not have money to release development grants for MLAs, it is surprising that the government has allowed the office to make “unnecessary” expenditures. The government has failed to follow fiscal discipline in expenses. The BJP is contemplating on taking the matter to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, he said.

Speaker reacts

Dismissing the allegations as baseless, Mr. Khader told The Hindu that all expenses were legally made with the concurrence of the Finance Department.

Mr. Khader said that new bedsheets, locks, and furniture for the rooms were purchased from budgetary savings. Smart energy solution devices were procured by spending ₹5 crore sanctioned by the government. The new upholstery for 150 cars was also done by spending budgetary savings to give a new look to the vehicles, he added.

The Speaker said the Finance Department has appreciated his office for efficiently conducting the Pustaka Mela. The rosewood door was funded through budgetary savings via Karnataka Forest Development Corporation, he said.