BENGALURU/KOPPAL: In a major embarrassment to the Congress govt in Karnataka, CM Siddaramaiah’s economic adviser and Yelburga MLA Basavaraj Rayareddi described the state as “No. 1 in corruption” during an interaction at a district-level meeting on Tuesday.

“No matter who is in power, rampant corruption will take place and Karnataka state is No. 1 in corruption,” Rayareddi reportedly said at the meeting organised by Regional Imbalance Redressal Committee in Koppal.
The remarks sparked controversy, with BJP criticising the Congress. In a damage-control exercise Wednesday, Rayareddi said his comments were “misinterpreted” by the media and insisted he had not stated Karnataka was “No.1” in corruption. He claimed he merely highlighted poor quality in public works initiated by his and previous govts.
“I addressed the officials, stating the quality of govt projects is lacking in Kalyana Karnataka…,” he said.

‘State branded for corruption due to poor quality work’

Buildings that used to last 5-6 decades are now collapsing within 10 years due to poor quality of works. I questioned how, in such a scenario, regional imbalance can be addressed. Therefore, I suggested that the committee include my recommendation in its report to ensure high-quality work,” he clarified.
He said, “The state has been branded for corruption due to poor quality of work. I did not make any corruption allegation against the present govt or previous govts. This statement is not new; I have said it on the floor (of the House) as well as during a meeting with the CM. Siddaramaiah (is) committed to making Karnataka a corrupt-free state.” He acknowledged corruption exists in the current administration. “Corruption is a global phenomenon. It exists all over the world.”
BJP state president BY Vijayendra said, “Respected CM, your Economic Adviser and MLA, Basavaraj Rayareddi, has openly revealed that corruption and looting are integral part of the Karnataka govt… Karnataka, under your administration, has become synonymous with corruption on the national stage, bringing shame to the state at the international level.”