Never witnessed such corruption in my 40-year political career as I do today !

• Karnataka CM

• Embarrassing admission by Congress Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah

Bengaluru (Karnataka) – In an embarrassing admission, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that corruption in the State has increased compared to earlier times. He made this remark on 21 February while addressing a ceremony at Ambedkar Bhavan in Bengaluru for distributing new appointment orders in the Health Department.

The Chief Minister said, “In my 40-year political career, I have never seen such corruption as exists today. Brokers (agents) have become active in securing appointments and transfers. The practice of obtaining transfers by paying money through influential persons is on the rise.” He clarified that a counselling system has been introduced in appointments and transfers to curb corruption.(Is it not ridiculous that a Chief Minister who has all government administration at his command resorts to superficial measures such as counselling instead of taking strict action to eliminate corruption ? – Editor)

Appointment letters for 5,700 posts in the Health Department were distributed to candidates. The Chief Minister advised candidates not to approach brokers for transfer recommendations. He also assured that approximately 2,50,000 vacant posts across various departments would be filled in phases. (Is it not disgraceful for the government to keep such a large number of posts vacant ? – Editor) Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao and several other dignitaries were present at the programme.

Editorial Perspective

As Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah himself is responsible for corruption that has crossed all limits. Nationalists feel that he must eliminate all corruption within the next year; otherwise, he should resign.