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
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