Contractors' body chief Kempanna, known for 40% commission claim against BJP, dies

September 19, 2024 18:19

D Kempanna/File image

Karnataka State Contractors' Association president D Kempanna, who was at the forefront in its fight in exposing the alleged "40 percent commission" scam during the previous BJP government, passed away in Bengaluru on Thursday.

The 84-year-old died due to heart attack at his residence, and is survived by his wife, a son and three daughters, sources close to him said.

The contractors' association under the leadership of Kempanna had during the previous BJP government alleged "harassment" by ministers, elected representatives and others, accusing them of demanding 40 percent commission for awarding contracts and clearing bills, and had also written a letter to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in this regard.

During the 2023 assembly polls, the then opposition Congress had used the contractors' association's 40 percent commission charge as a major weapon to corner the BJP government, which is said to be one among the factors that led to the saffron party's debacle in the election.

After coming to power, the Congress had, based on the allegations, formed the Justice HN Nagamohan Das Commission to investigate irregularities in various contracts awarded and works carried out, in the wake of allegations of '40 per cent commission' that were levelled against the previous BJP administration. -- PTI

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

India, China to patrol once a week in Demchok, Depsang

The two sides had started coordinated patrols in the first week of the month after completing disengagement in both Demchok and Depsang in the last week of October.

Taliban appoints acting consul in Mumbai mission

The Taliban regime has appointed Ikramuddin Kamil as the acting consul in the Afghan mission in Mumbai, Afghan media has reported. This is the first such appointment made by the Taliban set up to any Afghan mission in India. The...

Army to deploy all-terrain vehicles in northern borders

The Indian government has initiated the process of procuring All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) for deployment along the northern borders for the Indian Army. The Ministry of Defence has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking vendors...

Trump picks India's friends as Secy of State, NSA

By picking Rubio and Waltz as his top diplomat and NSA guarantees a continuation of bi-partisan support and further strengthening of India-US relationship under the second Trump administration.

Will Pak Pull Out of Champions Trophy?

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has dismissed the possibility of a 'hybrid model', under which India would play at a neutral venue while the rest of the tournament is held in Pakistan.