In a dramatic and symbolic demonstration, activists in Kalaburagi took to the streets with a decorated buffalo on Tuesday to voice their anger against alleged large-scale corruption within a key state development body. The protest, organized by the Ahinda Chintakara Vedike and the Kalyana Karnataka 371(J) Law Amendment Struggle Committees, targeted the Karnataka Regional Development Board (KKRDB), accusing it of financial irregularities involving thousands of crores of rupees.
A Symbolic March Demanding Accountability
The protesters gathered at Timmapur Circle and marched with a buffalo to the KKRDB office located at Aiwan-e-Shahi. The animal was adorned with a garland and carried a photo, symbolizing their frustration with what they call rampant corruption and a lack of transparency in the board's functioning. This unusual form of protest was designed to grab public attention and shame the authorities into action.
Allegations of a Massive Financial Scam
At the heart of the protest are serious allegations of financial misconduct. Saibanna Jamadar, the president of the Ahinda Sangathan, presented startling claims. He asserted that bills totaling approximately Rs 5,300 crore have been cleared by the board since 2023 without any independent, third-party verification. This alleged bypassing of standard audit procedures has raised major red flags about the misuse of public funds meant for the development of the Kalyana Karnataka region.
Jamadar laid out a three-point demand based on these allegations. He called for the immediate suspension of the board secretary for reportedly violating the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (KTPP) Act. He also demanded the resignation of the planning minister on grounds of "moral accountability," accusing the minister of misleading the public with false information. Furthermore, the protesters insisted on a comprehensive investigation against board chairman Ajay Singh.
Widespread Support from Community Leaders
The protest saw participation from a broad coalition of community leaders, indicating significant local backing for the cause. Prominent figures who joined the demonstration included Yashwantrao Suryavanshi, Vijay Hadimani, Prakash Hotkar, Sanju Hodalkar, and Tippanna Pawar. Their involvement underscores the depth of concern over the governance and financial management of the KKRDB, which is tasked with accelerating development in the historically underdeveloped region of Kalyana Karnataka.
The buffalo procession in Kalaburagi has successfully turned a spotlight on the serious corruption allegations plaguing the KKRDB. The protestors have made it clear that they will not remain silent over the alleged misappropriation of Rs 5,300 crore. The ball is now in the court of the state government to address these demands, initiate a credible probe, and restore public trust in the institution responsible for regional development. The call for suspensions and resignations adds significant political pressure, making a formal response from the authorities inevitable.
