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BENGALURU
The BJP’s allegation that Rs 39,000 crore was illegally spent in the Bengaluru solid waste disposal contract is baseless. R Ashoka, who is afraid of losing his seat as the opposition party in the assembly, has made such allegations to attract the attention of BJP leaders, complained KPCC spokesperson M Laxman.
Speaking at a press conference, he said, about 6,000 tonnes of solid waste is generated in Bengaluru every day, of which about 4,000 tonnes are being sent to landfills. Landfill disposal is not allowed as per the Solid Waste Management Rules 2026. Therefore, 30 waste recycling centres are being set up. There is an intention to set up an integrated waste treatment centre in two parts of Bengaluru. A 30-year lease has been given to develop fertilizer production, bio-CNG, power generation, and scientific landfill facilities. The tender process was conducted in accordance with the Centre’s rules and the terms of the agreement, he informed.
Currently, the cost of solid waste transportation, processing and development work around landfill areas is about 24,670 per tonne. It works out to Rs 1,344 crore per year. The new tender has fixed the price per tonne at Rs 2,565 in North Bengaluru and Rs 2,151 in South Bengaluru. Half the money will be saved in the new contract. Ashoka is making baseless allegations out of fear that the usual allowance he has been getting till now will be stopped. As a responsible leader of the opposition, it is not right to make baseless allegations against Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, he said.
In 2022, when the National Green Tribunal imposed fines for solid waste management, the BJP was in power in the state. Instead of answering the question, they made baseless allegations. If BJP leaders have any documents, they should submit them to the investigating agencies. All the investigating agencies are under the Central Government. If there has been any illegality, they should investigate and bring out the truth,” he challenged.
BJP leaders are keeping silent on important issues like cancellation of NEET, CBSE issues, and hike in petrol and diesel prices, and are making political allegations against the Congress, he complained.
General Secretary S Manohar was present.
