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Karnataka Excise Minister and Hassan district in-charge minister KM Shivalinge Gowda triggered a controversy on Saturday, September 19, after he said citizens could “respectfully” offer money to government officials who complete their work on time. Gowda made the remarks while addressing a ‘Praja Seva Andolana’ public grievance meeting in Sakleshpur, Hassan district.
He was responding to a query from a member of the public when he said, “Whatever you want to offer, you can do so respectfully. It is your dharma, but nobody should take money forcibly.”
When some people in the audience asked what they should offer “respectfully”, the minister reportedly said it was left to them. The minister had also said there was “nothing wrong” if citizens willingly gave ‘tips’ or an ‘honorarium’ to government officials for getting their work done on time.
The remarks drew objections from people at the meeting. Punit, a farmer from Alur who was present with a land-related grievance, questioned the minister’s statement. “Officials are paid a salary. Why should we give them tips? Doesn’t this amount to encouraging bribery?” he asked.
As more people joined the protest, the meeting reportedly witnessed chaos. Some of those objecting to the minister’s remarks were asked to stop arguing with him, while Gowda was also heard asking officials to send them out of the venue.
The minister subsequently attempted to clarify his remarks. Gowda said he was trying to convey that officials should not forcibly collect money and that honest officials should be respected.
“I only said that we should appreciate officials for their work; I never suggested giving them bribes,” the minister said.
Gowda also clarified on Sunday, September 20, that his remarks had been misunderstood. “A person complained that bribe was being sought to get his work done. I told him not to give any money, but to respect the officer. My statement has been misunderstood,” he said.
Hassan Deputy Commissioner KS Latha Kumari, who was present at the meeting, intervened as the situation became tense. She said, “The minister’s statement has been misinterpreted. If officials demand bribes for work, stringent legal action will be taken against them.”
The Deputy Commissioner also said strict action would be taken against any official who demanded a bribe to discharge their duty.
A video of Gowda’s remarks subsequently circulated on social media, drawing criticism. The BJP also attacked the minister over the statement. The BJP shared a video of Gowda’s remarks and alleged that his words had exposed what it described as the “true nature of the bribe-seeking Congress government”. The party also said the government would face public opposition over the issue.
BJP MLC CT Ravi also criticised Gowda, referring to Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s earlier statement that people should complain if any official demanded even Rs 10 as a bribe. “But ministers of his own government are saying ‘respectfully give bribes’,” Ravi said.
“It may be natural for you to receive or give bribes, minister, but not for the people of Karnataka,” he added. Ravi also urged Gowda to withdraw his statement and apologise to the people of Karnataka.
