Karnataka Housing Minister Denies Corruption Allegations Amid Political Storm

Karnataka Housing, Minorities and Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan has firmly denied accusations of corruption in the allocation of houses under government schemes. Speaking in Bengaluru, Khan stated he would resign if proven guilty, stressing there's no room for impropriety in his department.

The allegations, originally raised by Congress MLA BR Patil, prompted Khan to call for an investigation, assuring strict action against anyone found guilty. Despite Patil not directly accusing Khan or his department officials, Khan indicated that if any gram panchayat member is implicated in bribery, corrective measures will be enforced.

Senior officials, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, have been briefed on the matter. Khan, addressing MLA Belur Gopalakrishna's resignation demand, clarified that beneficiary selection occurs at the gram panchayat level and not within his department. Allegations also stem from an audio clip involving Patil, as Raju Kage backed his claims. The controversy has led to BJP's BY Vijayendra slamming Congress for alleged corruption.

(With inputs from agencies.)