Karnataka
Karnataka Government Dismisses KSPCB Chairperson Over Misconduct
KSPCB Chairperson Shanth A Thimmaiah was dismissed by the Karnataka government for misuse of power and rule violations in awarding contracts worth Rs 17 crore.

The state government on Friday dismissed Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) chairperson Shanth A Thimmaiah from his position for abuse of powers and violation of rules in three different instances, including sidestepping transparency laws while awarding works worth Rs 17 crore.
Last year, the government had issued a notice to Thimmaiah stating that he violated the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act as well as the rules for selecting a single source agency in awarding advertisement works worth Rs 17 crore. This was done without the technical endorsement from the member secretary and the necessary administrative approvals.
Thimmaiah had replied that the decision was brought to the notice of the Board, which had given post-facto approval. He argued that giving notice to the chairman was inappropriate since the board had endorsed his action, making it a collective decision.
However, the government noted that work worth Rs 3.4 crore was given to Sai Advertisers though the agency did not submit the cost sheet. Similarly, the government said the chairman illegally awarded work to Signpost India Pvt Ltd without inviting bids.
In the case of Rs 7 crore work given to Adonmo Pvt Ltd, the government said Thimmaiah “abused power” and picked the company “illegally” by violating the rules to set up a selection committee. As per the rules issued in 1976, the chairman has powers to decide on tender worth up to Rs 25,000. “However, by awarding works worth over Rs 7 crore, it is very clear that Shanth A Thimmaiah has abused his powers,” the order said.
In the second instance, the government had served notice to Thimmaiah for appointing Suri Payala, the IT Manager at KSPCB, as the member secretary (additional charge). As per the rule, the post can be held by a senior All India Service officer with a master’s degree in science or an equivalent degree in allied sciences with prior experience in matters connected to KSPCB.
Thimmaiah was appointed for three years in November 2021 in violation of the law. As per rule, his tenure would have been limited to less than six months. The Congress government sought to correct the mistake by removing him in August 2023. However, the Karnataka High Court granted a stay and allowed him to continue.
“As per The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act Section 4(2)(f) and as per high court orders, appointing chairman, member secretary, and members is a power vested with the government,” the order said, adding that Thimmaiah exceeded his brief.
The third instance related to the alleged scam in the clearances given to Enviro Recyclean Pvt Ltd, a plastic recycling company. An audit by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) found that the firm was not operational but had issued extended producer responsibility (EPR) certificates for recycling 3.48 lakh tonnes. The KSPCB had issued consent to operate the factory within seven days after issuing consent to set up the plant.
To a notice issued by the government for not suspending the officials responsible for the scam, Thimmaiah had stated that prior permission from the government was necessary for such actions. However, Thimmaiah had unilaterally suspended three environment officers. “This shows contradictory positions and biased action,” the order said, adding that his argument was “baseless”.
The dismissal order was accompanied by another order in which the government gave additional charge of Chairman’s position to B P Ravi, principal secretary (Ecology and Environment).
Thimmaiah’s tenure as KSPCB chairperson has been marred by controversies and allegations of rule violations. His decisions to award contracts without proper procedure and his appointments within the board have raised serious questions about governance and transparency. The government’s decisive action to remove him reflects its commitment to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability within its institutions.
The awarding of significant contracts without the required endorsements and approvals is a grave violation that undermines public trust in governmental processes. The appointment of an IT manager to a senior administrative position bypassing established norms also showcases a disregard for due process.
The scandal involving Enviro Recyclean Pvt Ltd further compounds the issues, highlighting the lapses in regulatory oversight and potential corruption within the KSPCB under Thimmaiah’s leadership. The swift issuance of consents to the non-operational company points to severe procedural failures that demand stringent corrective measures.
Thimmaiah’s removal is a crucial step towards restoring the integrity of the KSPCB. It sends a clear message that misuse of power and violations of rules will not be tolerated. The appointment of B P Ravi as the interim chairperson aims to bring stability and ensure that the board’s operations are aligned with legal and procedural standards.
The government must continue to scrutinize and rectify any further irregularities to rebuild confidence in the KSPCB. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to established regulations in maintaining the credibility of public institutions.
Karnataka
Karnataka BJP Kicks Off Overnight Protest Against Price Hikes and Muslim Quota
Led by BJP’s state president Vijayendra, the demonstration targets the Congress-led government’s recent price hikes and its controversial decision to introduce a 4% reservation for Muslims […]

Bengaluru, Karnataka: The political air in Karnataka is buzzing as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched an overnight protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Led by state president BY Vijayendra, the demonstration targets the Congress-led government’s recent price hikes and its controversial decision to introduce a 4% reservation for Muslims in government contracts. With emotions running high, this protest marks a bold stand against what the BJP calls a “burden on the people.”
The protest kicked off at 11 a.m. and stretched into the night, with Vijayendra slamming the Siddaramaiah government for making life tougher for everyday citizens. He pointed to the recent Rs 4 increase in Nandini milk prices—now the third hike since Congress took charge—as an “Ugadi gift” that’s left families struggling. “This government promised relief but delivered only rising costs,” Vijayendra said, vowing to keep the pressure on until the hikes are rolled back.
A Fight Against Rising Costs and Policy Shifts
The BJP isn’t stopping at milk prices. Vijayendra accused the government of jacking up water tariffs, petrol costs, and more, hitting the poor and farmers the hardest. He also took aim at the 4% quota for Muslims in public contracts, labeling it “unconstitutional” and a move that sidelines other backward classes like SCs, STs, and OBCs. “This isn’t about fairness—it’s about appeasement politics,” he argued, promising a statewide awareness campaign starting April 10 to rally public support.
The protest saw a strong turnout, with BJP MLAs, MLCs, former legislators, and district leaders joining in. Vijayendra stressed that this is just the beginning, with plans for demonstrations across all district centers on April 4 and taluk-level protests on April 5. “We’re here to fight for the people, not just make noise,” he added, urging the government to rethink its policies.
A Divided Response
While the BJP rallies its base, the Congress government defends its actions. The milk price hike, they say, supports dairy farmers by covering rising production costs, with Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) Chairman Bheema Naik noting that prices here are still lower than in states like Gujarat or Delhi. On the Muslim quota, the government insists it’s based on socio-economic backwardness, not religion, aligning with long-standing policies under previous administrations.
Yet, the BJP remains unconvinced, accusing Congress of playing the minority card to win votes. The tension spilled into the streets of Bengaluru, with protesters chanting slogans and holding signs, creating a lively yet tense atmosphere. Police kept a close watch, ensuring the demonstration stayed peaceful as traffic flowed nearby and shops stayed open.
What’s Next for Karnataka?
This overnight protest is more than a one-night stand—it’s a signal of bigger battles ahead. With the BJP gearing up for a statewide movement, and the Congress digging in, Karnataka’s political scene is heating up. Residents are left wondering: Will the government back down, or will this spark a longer fight? For now, the focus is on Freedom Park, where voices of dissent echo into the early morning.
Stay tuned as this story develops. Whether it’s about your grocery bill or community rights, this protest could shape Karnataka’s future. Keep checking for the latest updates on price hikes, Muslim quota debates, and more!
Karnataka
VHP Appeals to Karnataka Governor to Reject Bill Granting 4% Quota for Muslims
Debate Intensifies Over Religion-Based Reservations in Karnataka’s Public Contracts The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has formally requested Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to withhold approval of the recently passed Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (Amendment) Bill, 2025. This legislation aims to reserve 4% of public contracts for Muslim contractors, specifically allocating quotas for civil works up […]

Debate Intensifies Over Religion-Based Reservations in Karnataka’s Public Contracts
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has formally requested Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to withhold approval of the recently passed Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (Amendment) Bill, 2025. This legislation aims to reserve 4% of public contracts for Muslim contractors, specifically allocating quotas for civil works up to ₹2 crore and goods and services contracts up to ₹1 crore.
In their memorandum, the VHP contends that the bill contravenes constitutional principles by introducing reservations based on religion. They highlight that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, opposed religion-based reservations, emphasizing that Article 15 prohibits the state from discriminating among citizens on grounds of religion or caste.
The organization further references previous judicial decisions where courts, including the Supreme Court, have invalidated similar attempts at religion-based reservations in other states. They argue that implementing such quotas poses a threat to national integrity, unity, and sovereignty, accusing the Karnataka government of engaging in vote-bank politics.
This development follows the passage of the bill in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly amid significant opposition and controversy. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also voiced strong objections, labeling the move as unconstitutional and vowing to challenge it legally.
Karnataka
Shocking Karnataka Honey Trap Scandal: Supreme Court Rejects CBI Probe Plea
Political Drama Unfolds as KN Rajanna’s Claims Stir Controversy

Political Drama on Honey Trap Unfolds as KN Rajanna’s Claims Stir Controversy
In a dramatic turn of events, the Supreme Court shut down a bold request for a CBI or SIT investigation into Karnataka’s alleged honey trap saga on March 26, 2025, leaving political circles buzzing and everyday folks scratching their heads.
The public interest litigation (PIL), filed by Jharkhand resident Binay Kumar Singh, aimed to dig deeper into explosive claims made by Karnataka Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna. He’d alleged that 48 politicians—including big names from both state and national levels—had been ensnared in a web of scandal involving compromising videos. But the court wasn’t having it, dismissing the plea as “political nonsense” and questioning why it even landed on their desk.
The whole mess kicked off when Rajanna dropped his bombshell on the floor of the Karnataka Assembly, hinting at a sprawling honey trap network that didn’t care about party lines—Congress, BJP, you name it.
Singh’s PIL painted a dire picture, suggesting this wasn’t just gossip but a serious threat to justice, especially with whispers that judges might be tangled up too. He begged for an independent probe, free from Karnataka’s influence, overseen by either the Supreme Court or a retired judge. Yet, the bench—led by Justices Vikram Nath, Sanjay Karol, and Sandeep Mehta—brushed it off, saying, “We’ve got bigger fish to fry.”
Rajanna himself tried to clear the air, insisting he never pointed fingers at judges. “It’s all about political rivals slinging mud—nothing more,” he told reporters, hinting the PIL twisted his words for drama. Meanwhile, Karnataka’s Home Minister G Parameshwara didn’t sit idle. After Rajanna handed over a three-page complaint about his own honey trap close call, Parameshwara promised a high-level state investigation. “This isn’t just about one guy—it’s about dignity for all of us in the Assembly,” he said, vowing to get to the bottom of it.
The opposition BJP wasn’t about to let this slide either. They turned the Assembly into a shouting match, waving CDs and demanding a judicial probe, only to see 18 of their MLAs suspended for six months after the chaos. Former CM Basavaraj Bommai didn’t mince words, slamming the state’s “criminal cabinet” and saying Karnataka’s reputation is taking a beating nationwide.
For regular folks watching from the sidelines, it’s a mix of shock and skepticism. “Politicians caught in scandals? Sounds like a Tuesday,” one Bengaluru resident quipped. Others wonder if the truth will ever come out without a neutral agency like the CBI stepping in. With the Supreme Court washing its hands of the matter, all eyes are on Karnataka’s next move. Will Parameshwara’s probe deliver answers, or is this just another chapter in the state’s wild political soap opera? Stay tuned—this one’s far from over. What do you think—conspiracy or just dirty politics? Let us know!
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