Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has called on the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to provide concrete evidence for their allegations that state ministers and officials are actively collecting funds for the Congress party in anticipation of the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls. This challenge was issued on Monday, October 20, 2025.
BJP MPs Jagadish Shettar and B.Y. Raghavanedra have publicly claimed that the ruling Congress in Karnataka is engaging in fundraising activities for the Bihar elections, a practice they contend has significantly escalated corruption levels across the state.
“If they possess any proof, they should release it. Raghavendra should not become synonymous with fabricating stories. There are some leaders who make accusations and then disappear; I hope Raghavendra does not follow suit,” Shivakumar stated to reporters in Bengaluru.
His remarks were a direct response to Mr. Raghavendra’s assertion that ministers are leveraging government officials to raise funds for the Bihar polls, transforming this into a “lucrative business” for the Congress in Karnataka.
Mr. Raghavanedra further alleged in Shivamogga, “Every Minister in the Cabinet is exploiting officials to gather funds for the Bihar elections. Officials have been directed to collect money, initially through transfers, and now under the guise of renewals. Fundraising for the Bihar polls has become the primary focus for all ministers, turning into their main enterprise.”
Adding to these claims, former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar alleged that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently held a private dinner meeting with his Cabinet colleagues specifically to discuss the Bihar elections. During this meeting, he claimed, individual ministers were assigned fundraising targets based on their respective departments and perceived influence, with the collected money destined for the Bihar polls.
Mr. Shettar described Karnataka as a crucial financial hub for the Congress nationally, suggesting that the state government operates as an “ATM” for the party’s high command. He questioned, “Why is corruption so widespread? Why have commissions increased? When questioned, officials indicate that the funds are intended for Bihar…”
The Bihar Assembly polls are scheduled to take place in two phases, on November 6 and November 11, with vote counting set for November 14.