B.R. Patil
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An audio clip, allegedly featuring a conversation between Congress MLA for Aland and Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission Deputy Chairman B.R. Patil and Sarfaraz, a person believed to be an associate of Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, has caused embarrassment to the ruling Congress in the State.
In the clip, Mr. Patil, who had earlier complained to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah against the functioning of Ministers, addresses the other person as “Sarfaraz”. The MLA informs him about the large-scale corruption in the distribution of houses under the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Ltd. and is heard alleging that houses were allotted in exchange for bribes. The MLA is heard alleging that recommendation letters from MLAs were ignored in the district and houses were allotted to those who had paid bribes.
‘Govt will be shaken’
During the conversation, Sarfaraz is heard promising strict action against those involved in the alleged housing scam. Mr. Patil hits back at Sarfaraz and states that if the information is made public, “the government will be shaken”.
The Opposition BJP has demanded the resignation of Mr. Khan and a judicial inquiry led by a High Court judge based on the mobile call audio possessed by Mr. Patil.
Mr. Patil told The Hindu on Friday that corruption was rampant in the distribution of houses constructed under the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Ltd. in Aland, Afzalpur, Hosapete, and many other constituencies. He claimed some officials were seeking a bribe of ₹25,000 for allotting a house. Mr. Patil admitted that the audio clip was his own conversation with Sarfaraz.
Earlier case
The Congress, which came to power alleging 40% commission in the previous BJP government, now appears to be on the backfoot. Earlier, Yelburga MLA and Chief Minister’s Economic Adviser Basavaraj Rayaraddi had said that Karnataka is “number one in corruption”, embarrassing the government.
Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly R. Ashok, citing Mr. Patil’s audio clip, said Mr. Khan had no moral right to continue in office and demanded his immediate resignation. He said on X that Mr. Rayaraddi’s statement has now been reinforced by Mr. Patil.
Mr. Ashok said Mr. Patil has alleged that 950 houses were distributed in the Aland Assembly constituency in exchange for bribes. The BJP leader urged the MLA to disclose the details of the corruption and bribery taking place in the Housing Department and to file a complaint with the Lokayukta.
Responding to this, Union Minister and JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy said, “I am not surprised by this. This has been happening continuously. To get a site, bribes and commissions are being given. This is happening across every department of the State government.”
Meanwhile, when a question was asked about Mr. Patil’s accusation, Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC president D.K. Shivakumar said he was not aware of the development.
Published – June 20, 2025 09:19 pm IST
