Bengaluru: A major political tug of war has emerged in Karnataka with the BJP accusing the Congress Government of pushing through plan to hire 6 mechanical road-sweeping machines for seven years . The state government is planning to hire these machines at the cost of Rs 613.25 crore

Taking to X, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje said that the state government’s plan to hire these machines at such prices raises serious doubts as to who would gain from such inflated cost. She alleged that a "massive financial scandal is unfolding" in the state.

Union Minister slams Govt on X

"A massive financial scandal is unfolding in Karnataka. The Congress government has hired 46 road sweeping machines for 7 years at a shocking cost of Rs 613 crores. A self-propelled road sweeper costs about Rs 50 to 80 lakhs, which means 46 machines would come to roughly Rs 37 to 38 crores,” she wrote on X.

The Union Minister added, "Even after adding machines, manpower and maintenance, the entire cost should not exceed Rs 100 crores. Yet the government is spending Rs 613 crores. This raises serious doubts about where the remaining Rs 500 crores is going and who is benefiting from this inflated expenditure. I strongly urge the government to drop this proposal immediately and ensure full transparency for the people of Karnataka.”

Greater Bengaluru Authority sought Govt’s approval

A report published in Deccan Herald said that the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) had urged for Cabinet’s approval to rent these machines for seven years. The estimated cost to hire these machines is Rs 613.25 crore.

It further quoted Law minister HK Patil as saying that the decision was taken as the outright purchase of these machines would require "huge initial expenditure.” These machines will be deployed in various corporations.