‘Congress treating Karnataka as ATM,’ says BJP’s Poonawalla as contractors halt work over unpaid dues

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of turning the state into an “ATM”, alleging that contractors are being forced to pay commissions to clear long-pending bills.

The remarks came after the Karnataka State Contractors Association announced a strike on 6 March, halting work over what it claims are unpaid dues worth about Rs 37,370 crore. Contractors have also alleged that large kickbacks and bribes are being demanded to process these payments.

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BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla alleged that the Congress government in Karnataka was involved in widespread corruption and accused it of failing to pay contractors despite the massive outstanding amount.

“The Congress is treating Karnataka as its ATM and looting it with both hands,” Poonawalla said. He claimed that contractors are waiting for payments ranging from Rs 35,000 crore to Rs 40,000 crore and alleged that ministers are demanding hefty commissions to clear the dues.

Karnataka State Contractors Association going on a strike on 6th March and stopped work due to huge non-payment of pending bills worth ₹37.370cr where they allege Karnataka Congress govt is demanding huge kickbacks and bribes to clear it

Just few days ago: Rather than address… https://t.co/kCIqVIsj9S pic.twitter.com/ONfoqEw2Av

— Shehzad Jai Hind (Chowkidar as per INC ecosystem) (@Shehzad_Ind) March 6, 2026

The BJP leader also referred to recent remarks attributed to Karnataka Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi. According to Poonawalla, the minister had said that commissions in government contracts existed earlier, exist now, and would continue in the future.

Watch | BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said, “In Karnataka, the State Contractors Association there has started a strike from today. The reason is that bills worth about thirty-seven thousand crore rupees are pending, and payments are not being made. The allegation is that… pic.twitter.com/QUFAiye7Kr

— United News of India (@uniindianews) March 6, 2026

Poonawalla criticised the statement, saying it amounted to justifying corruption rather than addressing the allegations raised by contractors.

He further claimed that several scams had surfaced in the state, including those linked to land, liquor, contractors, and other sectors. According to him, the alleged corruption persists because the party’s central leadership is benefiting from the money flowing from the state.

“All of these scams are taking place because the High Command is getting direct payment, and therefore they are not taking any action on Siddaramaiah and his ministers,” Poonawalla alleged.