DK Shivakumar Hits Back at R Ashoka Over ‘Garbage Tender Kickback’ Charge; Says “He Is Speaking Like an Agent of the Garbage Mafia”
New Delhi/Bengaluru, June 10: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar launched a strong counterattack against Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, accusing him of acting as a spokesperson for the “garbage mafia” after allegations were made regarding Bengaluru’s waste management tenders.
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi ahead of the NITI Aayog meeting, Shivakumar rejected allegations that the state government had received kickbacks in waste management contracts and challenged his critics to initiate any inquiry they deemed necessary.
“Ashoka Is Speaking Like an Agent of the Garbage Mafia”
Responding to allegations by R. Ashoka that thousands of crores of rupees were involved in irregularities in garbage management tenders, Shivakumar said he was surprised by the opposition leader’s stand.
“Ashoka is speaking like an agent of the garbage mafia. Earlier, I had discussed with him the need to control this mafia. It is surprising that he now appears to be speaking on behalf of those very interests,” the Chief Minister said.
In a sarcastic remark, Shivakumar said if Ashoka wanted garbage, the government could send him truckloads of it.
He pointed out that similar allegations had earlier been made by Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and questioned why previous governments had failed to resolve Bengaluru’s long-standing waste management challenges.
According to the Chief Minister, Bengaluru has struggled for years with a powerful waste lobby that repeatedly stalled reforms and delayed the implementation of scientific waste processing systems.
“Let Any Agency Investigate”
Rejecting corruption allegations, Shivakumar said the government was implementing a long-term waste management strategy that required significant investment in infrastructure.
He explained that private players would invest nearly ₹6,000 crore in modern waste-processing facilities, including projects aimed at generating gas and electricity from waste.
The Chief Minister said the government had faced difficulties in identifying suitable land within Bengaluru and had therefore decided to acquire land in Doddaballapura. Additional land vacated by NICE had also been secured for waste management projects.
“I am ready for any investigation. Let them go to any authority. Let there be any inquiry. If not ₹36,000 crore, even if there is misuse of ₹10 crore, let it be investigated. I am prepared to face it,” he said.
Shivakumar further noted that local legislators had repeatedly demanded improvements in waste disposal systems and that the government had allocated nearly ₹800 crore to address waste management issues.
“They Cannot Accept That I Am Chief Minister”
The Chief Minister alleged that political opponents were unable to accept his elevation to the top post and were therefore engaging in what he termed “politics of jealousy.”
“They cannot tolerate the fact that I am Chief Minister. I know what is happening within their party and other parties as well. Someone is pressuring them to make these statements,” he remarked.
He said court cases had delayed garbage tenders for more than a decade and noted that courts had ultimately upheld the government’s decisions. Despite judicial approval, he said the government had still constituted a committee to review the matter in the interest of transparency.
According to Shivakumar, the opposition was uncomfortable with the government’s transparent functioning and administrative approach.
Meeting Congress Leadership in Delhi
Shivakumar said he was in Delhi primarily to attend the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting, marking his first participation in the forum as Chief Minister.
During his visit, he met senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. He also visited the offices of the Youth Congress, Mahila Congress and NSUI.
“These organisations are the foundation of our party. My own political journey began through NSUI and Youth Congress,” he said.
When asked about discussions with the Congress leadership, Shivakumar declined to reveal details, stating that internal party discussions could not be made public.
Push for Approval of Karnataka Projects
The Chief Minister disclosed that he had met Union Urban Development Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and urged the Centre to expedite approvals for key Karnataka infrastructure projects.
Among the issues discussed was Bengaluru’s proposed double-decker Metro project, which had faced objections at the central level.
“I explained the importance of the project and requested that approval be granted. I have also sought greater financial assistance for Karnataka through the Urban Challenge Fund,” he said.
Shivakumar further held discussions with Karnataka cadre officers posted in Delhi and said the government would increasingly seek guidance from both serving and retired officials to maximize benefits from central government schemes.
No Plan to Cut Beneficiaries From Guarantee Schemes
Addressing concerns about revisions to the Gruha Lakshmi and Gruha Jyothi schemes, Shivakumar clarified that the government had no intention of reducing beneficiaries.
He said a review had been initiated after instances emerged where benefits were allegedly being claimed in the names of deceased beneficiaries or through incorrect mobile numbers.
“Our objective is not to remove beneficiaries but to ensure that benefits reach eligible people,” he said.
Regarding Gruha Jyothi, he noted that some consumers were allegedly using subsidised electricity intended for households for commercial activities.
The Chief Minister reiterated that Karnataka’s guarantee schemes were designed for eligible residents and voters of the state.
PM Meeting Scheduled
On the upcoming NITI Aayog meeting, Shivakumar said Karnataka would strongly present its developmental priorities before the Centre.
He revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to meet him separately and that appointments had also been sought with several Union Ministers.
“The Prime Minister assured cooperation on the day I assumed office. We will work together in the interest of development,” he said.
Cabinet Expansion Not Under Discussion
When questioned about a possible cabinet expansion, Shivakumar dismissed speculation and said there were currently no discussions on the subject.
Calls Madhya Pradesh RS Nomination Rejection ‘Anti-Democratic’
The Chief Minister also criticised the rejection of Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan’s Rajya Sabha nomination in Madhya Pradesh, calling it a disturbing development for Indian democracy.
He argued that election officers ordinarily do not possess the authority to arbitrarily reject nominations and said any disputes could have been addressed through legal channels after the election process.
“If there is an FIR registered somewhere without a candidate’s knowledge, how can they be expected to know about it? This appears politically motivated,” he said.
Shivakumar alleged that the development was an injustice and warned that such incidents undermine democratic institutions.
“This is a matter that should make democracy hang its head in shame,” he added.
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