MLAs cutting across party affiliations alleged that contractors are the main beneficiaries of the huge cost escalation in irrigation projects in Karnataka.
“Who are the beneficiaries of huge cost escalation in irrigation projects? They (beneficiaries) are all big contractors, mostly from Andhra Pradesh who have huge influence,” alleged ruling BJP MLA Arvind Bellad, while intervening during the reply of Water Resources Minister Govind Karjol on a debate related to budgetary demands related to his department.
His allegations were endorsed by the opposition Congress and Janata Dal (S) members, besides several ruling BJP members. Congress member Shivanand Patil named five firms who corner most of the contracts in the Irrigation Department of Karnataka.
