States » SouthPosted at: Sep 21 2026 3:50PM


Karnataka minister's 'give respectfully' remark triggers bribery row; BJP targets Cong

Bengaluru, Sep 21 (UNI) Karnataka Excise Minister K M Shivalinge Gowda has triggered a political controversy over his remarks at a public grievance meeting in Sakleshpur, where comments on giving money to officials were interpreted by the Opposition as an endorsement of bribery.
The controversy erupted during a 'Praja Seva Andolana' programme in Sakleshpur in Hassan district, when members of the public complained about officials allegedly demanding money to get their work done.
Responding to a query from a member of the public, Gowda said officials would perform their duties and remarked that whatever people wanted to offer could be given "respectfully", while adding that nobody should forcibly demand money.
The remarks immediately drew a reaction from the gathering, with a participant questioning why citizens should give money to officials.
Gowda then sought to clarify his statement, saying he had not asked anyone to give money and had only spoken about respecting officials.
The BJP seized on the remarks and launched an attack on the Congress government, alleging that the minister's statement exposed the government's attitude towards corruption.
Leader of Opposition R Ashoka alleged that the Congress government, which had established mechanisms to hear people's grievances, was now asking citizens to pay officials.
He described the minister's remarks as an endorsement of a "respectful bribe" and targeted Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's government over the issue.
BJP MLA Bharat Shetty also criticised Gowda, alleging that the minister was effectively telling people how a bribe should be given.
The remarks also triggered a wider political debate over alleged demands for bribes in government offices and the government's responsibility to ensure that citizens receive public services without having to make unofficial payments.
Facing mounting criticism, Gowda later issued a clarification and denied that he had endorsed bribery.
Gowda said his statement had been misconstrued and that his reference was to showing respect to officials who perform their duties and complete people's work.
He maintained that he had clearly stated that no one should give bribes to officials and accused the BJP of deliberately circulating an edited portion of his remarks to create a controversy.
"What I said was give respect to the officers who get the work done. In the viral video, I had clearly said not to give bribes to officers for any reason," Gowda said.
He alleged that the Opposition was attempting to defame the Congress government by using a selectively edited clip of his remarks.
The controversy has meanwhile reached the Governor's office, with activist Dinesh Kalahalli reportedly filing a complaint against Gowda over the alleged remarks.
The episode has provided the BJP with fresh ammunition against the Congress government on the issue of corruption, while Gowda's clarification has sought to shift the focus to what he described as the selective use of his statement.
The dispute is likely to intensify the political debate over complaints of alleged bribery in government offices and the effectiveness of the state government's public grievance mechanisms.
UNI BDN
Tags: #Karnataka minister's 'give respectfully' remark triggers bribery row; BJP targets Cong
More News

AP CM Naidu to launch Rs 3,892-cr development projects in Visakhapatnam

21 Sep 2026 | 10:39 PM

Visakhapatnam, Sept 21 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will virtually inaugurate and lay foundation stones for development projects worth Rs 3,892 crore under the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) and Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) from Kuppam on Tuesday.

see more..

AP CM lays stone for Rs 327 Cr worth development works in Kuppam

21 Sep 2026 | 10:34 PM

Tirupati, Sep 21 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday laid the foundation stone for development works to the tune of Rs 327 crore in his home constituency Kuppam.

see more..

Keralam CM visits disaster-hit Chokkad; Assures relief as search continues for missing woman

21 Sep 2026 | 10:28 PM

Malappuram, Sep 21 (UNI) Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan visited Chokkad's disaster-hit T.K. Nagar and the nearby Kottapuzha area in Malappuram on Monday to assess the situation.
During his visit, the Chief Minister met with the family of Sajitha, who is still missing, to offer comfort and support.

see more..

Former CM Jagan Reddy demands Edu Minister Lokesh's resignation for alleged irregularities in DSC

21 Sep 2026 | 9:55 PM

Vijayawada, Sep 21 (UNI) Training his guns on the Chandrababu Naidu government, former Chief Minister and YSR Congress party president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Monday demanded the resignation of Andhra Pradesh education Minister and the ruling TDP's heir apparent Nara Lokesh owning responsibility for irregularities in the DSC teachers recruitment.

see more..

SCR GM inaugurates new facilities at Railway Mixed High School

21 Sep 2026 | 9:53 PM

Hyderabad, Sept 21 (UNI) South Central Railway (SCR) General Manager Sanjay Kumar Srivastava on Monday inaugurated newly developed facilities at Railway Mixed High School, South Lallaguda, and urged students to utilise them for their overall development.

see more..