Bengaluru, Sep 21 (PTI) Karnataka Excise Minister K M Shivalinge Gowda’s remarks at a recent event have gone viral and drawn criticism after some interpreted them as an endorsement of offering money to government officials.
The Minister, however, clarified on Monday that his statement has been misrepresented and distorted.
He reportedly made the alleged controversial remarks during the Praja Seva Andolana meeting in Sakleshpur, Hassan district on Saturday.
In the viral video, Gowda, who is also the minister in charge of Hassan district, can be heard responding to a query from a member of the public, saying that concerned officials would do their job.
“…whatever you want to offer, you can do so respectfully. It is your dharma, but nobody should take money forcibly,” he said, prompting objections from some in the audience.
When some people questioned what he meant by offering “respectfully”, the minister replied that it was left to them.
After further objections by some in the audience, he clarified that he meant showing respect and not offering money.
Those objecting to his remarks were asked to stop arguing with the minister, while someone was also heard asking officials to send them out of the venue.
A video of the exchange subsequently went viral on social media, drawing criticism, with some alleging that the minister was openly advocating bribery.
Reacting to the controversy, Gowda told reporters on Monday: “Watch the video in full, understand it and if there is anything wrong with it, tell me. Allegations are being made. A word can be interpreted and represented in 10 different ways or distorted.” He said, “I told people that once the officials do your work, if you want — go and show your respect to them out of love and goodwill. Does going and showing your respect mean giving money? Have I said go and give your money? Don’t we say thanks for our work being done and offer sweets? I said — keep such a relationship with officials and let there be mutual respect.” Responding to a question about a complaint reportedly being filed with the Governor against him following the incident, Gowda said, “Let anyone lodge a complaint. What complaint will they give? Have I asked people to offer bribes?” Reacting to the development, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, R Ashoka, alleged that the government led by Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, which launched the Praja Seva department to hear people’s grievances, has now set aside all shame and is openly pleading with people to pay bribes.
In a post on X, he alleged that corruption worth crores of rupees had taken place in the Excise Department during the tenure of the previous minister, and the incumbent minister is now continuing the practice.
“Chief Minister, while you make dramatic statements that you will crack down on corrupt people and ask citizens to call you if officials demand bribes, you remain silent even when your own minister openly encourages bribery. An attempt has been made to legitimise bribery at a Praja Seva meeting, which is supposed to hear people’s grievances. It would not be surprising if an order is issued soon introducing a new ‘respectable bribe fee’ under the name of Praja Seva fee,” Ashoka said.
“You (Shivakumar) and your government, acting as puppets of the Congress high command, have turned Karnataka into an ATM. The people will have no respite until this shameless government is removed,” he added. PTI KSU ROH
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