Former Karnataka MLA seeks minister’s resignation over alleged ₹25 lakh demand

Former MLA and Janata Dal (Secular) leader K.B. Prasanna Kumar has demanded the resignation of Karnataka School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa over an alleged bribery demand involving the Shivamogga Urban Development Authority. Speaking at a press conference in Shivamogga on Tuesday, Mr Prasanna Kumar referred to a recent allegation by SUDA chairman H.S.

Sundaresh, who belongs to the ruling Congress. Mr Sundaresh had said that a person close to Minister Bangarappa visited the SUDA office and demanded ₹25 lakh from the authority’s commissioner. Mr Prasanna Kumar described the allegation as serious because it had been made by a Congress leader holding an official position.

He called on the Karnataka Lokayukta to register a case on its own initiative and investigate the claim based on Mr Sundaresh’s statements. Mr Prasanna Kumar also alleged that corruption was widespread in government offices across Shivamogga district. He said members of the public were not receiving services without paying bribes.

The material does not provide a response from Minister Bangarappa, Mr Sundaresh or the SUDA commissioner to the demand for an investigation. The allegation concerns an alleged request for money, and no finding of wrongdoing is reported in the supplied account. Any investigation by the Lokayukta would be needed to establish the facts and determine whether an offence had occurred.

Mr Prasanna Kumar’s demand adds political pressure on the minister, who is also in charge of Shivamogga district. The former legislator made the demand while calling for scrutiny of the conduct alleged at the urban development authority.