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Karnataka Minister's 'Tips for Officials' Remark Sparks Outrage, BJP Demands Apology
M
Moneycontrol•21-09-2026, 11:02
Karnataka Minister's 'Tips for Officials' Remark Sparks Outrage, BJP Demands Apology
- •Karnataka Minister KM Shivalingegowda suggested citizens could give 'tips' or 'honorarium' to officials for timely work, sparking widespread outrage.
- •BJP MLC CT Ravi condemned the remark, contrasting it with CM D K Shivakumar's anti-bribery stance and demanding an apology from the minister.
- •The controversy erupted at a public grievances meet in Hassan, where a farmer and youths challenged the minister, leading to a chaotic situation.
- •Shivalingegowda later clarified he meant officials shouldn't extort and honest workers should be respected, not that bribery should be encouraged.
- •Deputy Commissioner KS Latha Kumari and the minister himself stated the comments were misinterpreted, vowing action against bribe-seeking officials.
Key Questions Answered
KM Shivalingegowda faced intense backlash after remarking at a public grievances meet in Hassan that there was nothing wrong if citizens happily gave tips or honorariums to government officials for timely work.
BJP MLC CT Ravi strongly condemned the statement on social media, pointing out that while the chief minister urged citizens to report bribery, ministers were encouraging it, and he demanded an apology.
The minister defended himself by claiming his words were misinterpreted and that he meant officials should not extort money and that honest workers deserved respect rather than encouraging bribery.
