From ‘40% Sarkara’ to ‘Lancha Guarantee’? Congress faces corruption heat in Karnataka after minister’s remark

“40% Sarkara” was one of the Congress’ campaign planks during the 2023 Karnataka Assembly polls. The slogan was used to project the then BJP government as institutionally corrupt, with the Congress alleging that contractors were forced to pay 40% commissions to secure payments and approvals.

The campaign narrative proved electorally effective. The Congress registered an emphatic victory in the Assembly polls. However, three years later, the party now finds itself facing similar allegations.

Karnataka PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi on Thursday remarked that commissions existed in the past, continue now, and are likely to remain in the future. His statement came amid the Karnataka State Contractors’ Association (KSCA) announcing a protest on March 6 over pending bills worth ₹37,370 crore allegedly due from the state government.
The remarks handed the BJP an opportunity to revive its corruption charge against the Congress administration. Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra said the Congress had a “historical record of corruption.” In a pointed attack, he added that while the party advertises its “Pancha Guarantee” (five poll promises), people are instead receiving a “Lancha Guarantee” – a reference to bribery.