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Lokayukta Complaint Over Rs 20 Billion (bn) Road Allocation
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Lokayukta Complaint Over Rs 20 Billion (bn) Road Allocation

The Bengaluru NavaNirmana Party filed two complaints with the Karnataka Lokayukta seeking a probe into what it described as irregular allocation and diversion of funds amounting to Rs 20 bn earmarked for road development in Bengaluru. The complaints allege that the allocation of Rs 20 bn across 28 constituencies was approved without any disclosed objective formula, producing a pattern in which Congress-represented constituencies received disproportionately higher funding than those held by the Opposition. They contend that the approval process lacked transparency and did not set out clear criteria for distribution.

The complaints state that Rs 6.62 bn, more than 30 per cent of the Rs 20 bn action plan, has been earmarked for projects with substantial non-road components, a move the party says dilutes the purpose of the allocation. They further note that Rs 2.74 bn has been assigned to 60 standalone projects that are unrelated to road infrastructure, and that such allocations reduce the resources available for core road works. The BNP alleges that these decisions point to misuse and partisan distribution of public funds.

The filings ask the Lokayukta to investigate the basis on which projects were selected and to examine whether funds were diverted from intended road works to other purposes. The party seeks disclosure of the formula or parameters, if any, used by the authorities in approving the list and wants records of deliberations and approvals made by officials. The complaints request a review of project priorities and a determination of whether any officials acted contrary to rules or fiduciary duty.

The matter is likely to draw scrutiny of both administrative practice and political accountability in city infrastructure planning, according to the complaints, which call for corrective action where irregularities are found. The BNP has urged prompt administrative or legal steps to ensure that future allocations follow transparent criteria and that funds are used for their stated objectives. The Lokayukta's response will determine whether a formal inquiry is opened and whether allocations are revised or recovered.

The Bengaluru NavaNirmana Party filed two complaints with the Karnataka Lokayukta seeking a probe into what it described as irregular allocation and diversion of funds amounting to Rs 20 bn earmarked for road development in Bengaluru. The complaints allege that the allocation of Rs 20 bn across 28 constituencies was approved without any disclosed objective formula, producing a pattern in which Congress-represented constituencies received disproportionately higher funding than those held by the Opposition. They contend that the approval process lacked transparency and did not set out clear criteria for distribution. The complaints state that Rs 6.62 bn, more than 30 per cent of the Rs 20 bn action plan, has been earmarked for projects with substantial non-road components, a move the party says dilutes the purpose of the allocation. They further note that Rs 2.74 bn has been assigned to 60 standalone projects that are unrelated to road infrastructure, and that such allocations reduce the resources available for core road works. The BNP alleges that these decisions point to misuse and partisan distribution of public funds. The filings ask the Lokayukta to investigate the basis on which projects were selected and to examine whether funds were diverted from intended road works to other purposes. The party seeks disclosure of the formula or parameters, if any, used by the authorities in approving the list and wants records of deliberations and approvals made by officials. The complaints request a review of project priorities and a determination of whether any officials acted contrary to rules or fiduciary duty. The matter is likely to draw scrutiny of both administrative practice and political accountability in city infrastructure planning, according to the complaints, which call for corrective action where irregularities are found. The BNP has urged prompt administrative or legal steps to ensure that future allocations follow transparent criteria and that funds are used for their stated objectives. The Lokayukta's response will determine whether a formal inquiry is opened and whether allocations are revised or recovered.

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