SUDA chief alleges corruption in Shivamogga, targets minister Madhu Bangarappa

Shivamogga Urban Development Authority (SUDA) Chairperson H.S. Sundaresh has levelled allegations of corruption in the district in the name of Minister for School Education Madhu Bangarappa, who also holds the charge of the district. Mr. Sundaresh is a former president of the Shivamogga District Congress Committee.

Speaking at a press conference in Shivamogga on September 23, he said a few individuals close to the district in-charge Minister were demanding money from officials. He alleged that a person close to the Minister had visited the SUDA office and sought ₹25 lakh from the Commissioner. Another person, he claimed, was making money through the transfer of officials.

Mr. Sundaresh further said the party's organisation in the district had been gradually weakening because of unilateral decisions taken by the district in-charge Minister. Leaders who had built the party over decades were being sidelined, he said, and he used expletives while criticising several party leaders.

He objected to the selection of H.C. Yogesh as president of the party's district unit and expressed disappointment at not being chosen for the post himself. He demanded ministerial berths for Sagar MLA Belur Gopala Krishna and Bhadravati MLA B.K. Sangameshwara.

Mr. Sundaresh said he would soon meet senior party leaders with a demand for several changes in the party and the Cabinet, and added that he would quit the party, along with several other senior leaders, if his demands were not accepted.