Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of Karnataka reacted strongly to the Karnataka State Contractors’ Association’s plan for a statewide strike on March 5 due to alleged unpaid bills totaling nearly Rs 37,000 crore. He stated that payments would be made in line with budgetary allocations. Shivakumar, in Bengaluru, challenged the contractors to proceed with the strike if they desired.
Shivakumar criticized the previous BJP government, claiming that works were assigned without adequate financial support and approvals from the Finance Department. He accused the government of awarding tenders for projects worth Rs 30,000-40,000 crore when only Rs 2,000 crore worth of work was available in a department.
Blaming the financial mismanagement of the previous government for the current situation, Shivakumar emphasized that payments would be based on available funds. He acknowledged the contractors’ financial challenges but reiterated that payments would be made within the budgetary limits.
Shivakumar also mentioned his upcoming visit to Assam as the AICC Special Observer. Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Contractors’ Association has declared a statewide strike on March 5, citing unpaid dues of around Rs 37,000 crore for development projects across the state.
