Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy expressed alarm over the alleged irregularities in a Rs 39,000-crore solid waste management tender in Karnataka. He criticized the government for potentially awarding a massive contract to a blacklisted company, emphasizing the need for transparency and adherence to tender rules.
Kumaraswamy highlighted the violation of tender regulations, pointing out that the bid exceeded the estimated cost by a significant margin. He raised questions about the justification for awarding such a lucrative contract and warned of potential consequences for the people of Bengaluru if the matter is not addressed promptly.
The Minister accused the Finance Department of overlooking objections raised by the opposition, suggesting a lack of accountability in the decision-making process. He underscored the importance of considering future technological advancements and urged for a more cautious approach towards awarding contracts of this magnitude.
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader R. Ashoka also criticized the government, alleging corruption and lack of transparency in the tender process. The BJP has called for an independent investigation into the Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) project, raising concerns about financial impropriety and kickbacks.
