‘Karnataka Tops in Corruption’’,Says CM’s Political Advisor Basavaraj Rayareddy

BM TEAM

When a senior Congress leader, who also happens to be the Chief Minister’s economic advisor, calls Karnataka the “No.1 state in corruption,” it’s not a slip. It’s a statement.

Former Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy speaking at a Congress meeting in Koppal, didn’t hold back. From taluk offices to district departments, he said, bribery has become routine. “Even to get a caste certificate cleared, people are forced to pay,” he remarked. His tone wasn’t angry—it was weary. Like someone who has watched the system rot from the inside.
He didn’t stop there. “Lakhs of saplings are planted every year by forest officers, but within months they’re dead. No one waters them, no one follows up. Roads crack within weeks of being built. Civil works collapse. Kalyana Karnataka continues to suffer, and we wonder why it isn’t progressing.”
Rayareddy also spoke for party workers, many of whom feel ignored despite Congress being in power. “Power is ours, but benefits aren’t reaching our people,” he said. It was less an attack and more a resignation.

This isn’t his first red flag. Back in 2017, as Higher Education Minister, he exposed misuse of funds in all 17 state universities, proof that his frustration runs deep.

Coming from a senior figure within the party, is likely to intensify pressure on the Siddaramaiah government as it battles allegations of inefficiency and waning public trust. So far, the Congress high command has not responded to his statement.
Political analysts suggest that such internal critiques could impact the party’s public image and influence voter sentiment in the lead-up to elections.

The remarks have triggered political ripples. With elections not too far off, Rayareddy’s words have given the opposition just enough fire to keep burning.
And when the match is lit from within, it burns twice as bright.