Karnataka Minister’s ‘Give Respectfully’ Remark Sparks Bribery Row; BJP Targets Congress Government

BENGALURU, SEPTEMBER 21: Karnataka Excise Minister K M Shivalinge Gowda has triggered a political controversy over remarks made during a public grievance meeting in Sakleshpur, which the Opposition interpreted as an endorsement of bribery.

The controversy erupted during a Praja Seva Andolana programme in Hassan district after members of the public complained that officials were allegedly demanding money to get their work done.

Responding to a query, Gowda said officials would perform their duties and remarked that whatever people wished to offer could be given “respectfully”, while adding that no one should forcibly demand money. His comments drew an immediate reaction from the gathering, with a participant questioning why citizens should have to pay officials.

Gowda subsequently clarified that he had not asked anyone to give money and said he was referring to showing respect to officials who perform their duties and complete people's work.

The BJP seized on the remarks to target the Congress government. Leader of Opposition R Ashoka alleged that the minister's statement reflected the government's attitude towards corruption and described it as an endorsement of a “respectful bribe”.

BJP MLA Bharat Shetty also criticised Gowda, alleging that the minister was effectively telling people how a bribe should be given.

Facing mounting criticism, Gowda denied endorsing bribery and said his remarks had been misconstrued. He alleged that the Opposition was circulating an edited portion of the video to create controversy.

“What I said was give respect to the officers who get the work done. In the viral video, I had clearly said not to give bribes to officers for any reason,” Gowda said.

The controversy has also reached the Governor’s office, with activist Dinesh Kalahalli reportedly filing a complaint against the minister over the alleged remarks.

The episode has brought renewed attention to complaints of alleged bribery in government offices and the responsibility of the state administration to ensure that citizens receive public services without unofficial payments. The BJP's criticism and Gowda's clarification have further intensified the political debate over corruption and the effectiveness of the government's grievance-redressal mechanisms.