Bengaluru: In a tit-for-tat reaction, state BJP general secretary Shobha Karandlaje, MP, on Friday alleged a scam in drilling of borewells by authorities of social welfare department in Holalkere, the home turf of minister H Anjaneya, in Chitradurga district.
She released documents to the media to support her allegation, saying “Social welfare minister H. Anjaneya had convened a meeting of officers of Dr Ambedkar Development Corporation on January 22 and approved drilling of 1,800 borewells in his home constituency at a cost of Rs 18 crore. The tender process was not followed in violation of KTTP Act. Beneficiaries belonging to the SC/ST coounities and other weaker sections of society for whom this Ganga Kalyana Scheme is meant - have not been identified. Moreover, permission of the Department of Geology has not been obtained for drilling borewells. It is impossible to drill 1,800 borewells in one taluk within a short period of time. In order to oversee this project, about 23 officials of the Social Welfare Department drawn from various districts have been deployed in Holalkere.
This is flagrant violation of government rules and abuse of power. Crores of rupees in the schemes meant for SC/STs and weakers section of society has been looted by Mr Anjaneya right under the nose of the CM,” she added. It was Mr Anjaneya, Ms Karandlaje alleged, who was involved in siphoning off the money meant for purchase of pillows and blankets. “The government had admitted on the floor of the House that there was misappropriation of '19 crore in the purchase of bed-sheets and pillows for SC/ST hostels. The BJP had also proved alleged involvement of Mr Anjaneya’s wife in striking corrupt deals,” she alleged.
