Nothing wrong with tipping good officials: Row over Karnataka minister's remark
The Karnataka minister's remarks sparked an immediate backlash at the grievance meeting in Hassan, with the audience questioning whether he was normalising bribery.
Shivalinge Gowda was addressing public grievances in Hassan when he made the controversial remarks. (Photo: Facebook/kmshigowdru1958)
Karnataka minister KM Shivalinge Gowda has landed in a major controversy after publicly saying that there is nothing wrong with people willingly giving "tips" or "honorariums" to government officials if they get their work done on time.
In a video widely shared online, the minister is heard saying, "If officials do their work, giving bribes is righteous!"
The Congress leader's remarks, made at a public grievance event in Hassan district, triggered a heated exchange at the event, with participants immediately questioning his statement.
A man in the audience was heard asking why the public should give officials "tips" and questioned whether such a statement amounted to encouraging bribery.
As more people in the audience voiced their objections and the situation became tense, minister Gowda sought to clarify and defend his remarks.
He said what he was trying to convey was that officials should not forcibly collect money and that those who work honestly should be respected. He also claimed that he was "not encouraging bribery".
Hassan Deputy Commissioner KS Latha Kumari, who was seated beside the minister, also intervened and attempted to pacify the protesters.
The minister's remarks have triggered a political uproar, with the Opposition BJP joining the criticism. Sharing a video of Gowda's remarks, the BJP said, "Shivalingegowda's own words have exposed the true nature of the bribe-seeking Congress government."
“This bribe-collecting Congress, which preaches that dipping into the pockets of ordinary people is righteous, will be taught a proper lesson by the people of the state,” the party added.
BJP MLC CT Ravi also condemned the minister's remarks in a post on X. Ravi pointed out that Chief Minister DK Shivakumar had previously said that anyone who asks for even Rs 10 as a bribe should complain to him.
"But ministers of his own government are saying 'respectfully give bribes'," Ravi said.
"It may be natural for you to receive or give bribes, minister, but not for the people of Karnataka," he added.
MINISTER CLARIFIES BRIBE REMARKS
Clarifying his remarks, Shivalinge Gowda said his comments were in response to a person complaining that officials were demanding money to get their work done. The minister added he immediately intervened and addressed the issue with the concerned officials.
He said he told the person that paying money was not permitted under the law and that the officials would ensure the work was completed without such payments. He added that, once the work was done, the person could choose to show their appreciation to the officials.
"A person said officials were asking for money to get the work done. I immediately addressed the issue with the officials. I told the person that you cannot pay money as per the law. The officials will get your work done. After the work is done, you can pay your respect to them," the minister said.
As the minister's comments sparked the row, several people on the internet also reacted sharply to the minister's remarks, with many calling for immediate action against him.
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