Deputy CM DK Shivakumar. File | Photo credit: J. Allen Egenuse
As the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged that ministers and officials in the Karnataka government were tasked with collecting funds for the Congress party ahead of the upcoming Bihar assembly polls, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday (October 20, 2025) asked the saffron party to provide evidence to support its claims.
BJP MPs Jagadish Shettar and BY Raghavanedra have alleged that the ruling Congress was involved in raising funds for Bihar elections, a practice they say has led to increased corruption in the state.
“If they have any evidence, let them make it public. Let Raghavendra not become synonymous with lies. There are some hit-and-run leaders, let Raghavendra also not become the same,” Mr Shivakumar told reporters here.
He was reacting to Mr. Raghavendra’s allegation that ministers were using officials to raise funds for polls in Bihar and the practice had now become a “business” for the ruling Congress in Karnataka.
“All ministers in the cabinet looted through officials to send funds for polls in Bihar, officials were asked to collect money. After collecting transfer money, it is now being done in the name of restoration. All ministers are collecting money for polls in Bihar, it has become their main concern,” Raghavendra told the media in Shivamogga.
Jagadish Shettar, a former chief minister, claimed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had recently hosted a dinner for his cabinet colleagues in connection with the Bihar polls.
“The director called each minister separately during the dinner and discussed with them and depending on the ministries held by the ministers and their strength and capacity, targets were set for them to collect money and send it to Bihar polls,” he said.
Noting that Karnataka was a key resource base for the Congress across the country, Mr. Shettar said the state government was functioning as an “ATM” for the party’s high command. “Why is corruption rampant? Why have the commissions increased? When asked, the officials say the money needs to be sent to Bihar…” he added.
Polls in Bihar will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The votes will be counted on November 14.
Published – 20 October 2025 18:20 IST
