Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has challenged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to produce evidence supporting their allegations that state government ministers and officials are actively collecting funds for the Congress party’s upcoming Bihar Assembly election campaign. This demand was made on Monday, October 20, 2025.
Earlier, BJP MPs Jagadish Shettar and B.Y. Raghavanedra had claimed that the ruling Congress was engaged in significant fundraising efforts for the Bihar elections, asserting that this practice has directly contributed to a rise in corruption across Karnataka.
In a strong retort, Mr. Shivakumar stated, “If they possess any evidence, they should release it. Raghavendra should not be known for falsehoods. Some leaders resort to ‘hit and run’ tactics; I hope Raghavendra does not follow suit.”
This statement came as a direct response to Mr. Raghavendra’s accusation that Karnataka’s ministers are leveraging government officials to raise campaign funds for the Bihar polls, transforming this into a “business” for the state’s ruling Congress.
According to Mr. Raghavendra, speaking to media in Shivamogga, “Every minister in the Cabinet is exploiting their position through officials to amass funds for the Bihar elections. Officials are being instructed to collect money, not only through transfers but now also under the guise of renewals. Fundraising for Bihar polls has become the primary focus for all ministers.”
Adding to the allegations, former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar asserted that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently organized a private dinner meeting with his Cabinet colleagues, specifically to discuss matters related to the Bihar elections.
Shettar further alleged that during this dinner, the Chief Minister met with each minister individually. During these discussions, collection targets were reportedly set for each minister, based on their respective departments, influence, and perceived capacity to gather funds for the Bihar electoral campaign.
Highlighting Karnataka’s crucial role as a financial hub for the Congress nationally, Mr. Shettar characterized the state government as an “ATM” for the party’s central leadership. He questioned the rising corruption and increased commissions, claiming that officials, when pressed, justify these illicit activities by stating that funds are required for Bihar.
The Bihar Assembly polls are scheduled to take place in two phases on November 6 and 11, with the vote counting slated for November 14.