Kempanna, Who Accused the Bommai Government of a 40% Scandal, Passes Away

Bengaluru: D. Kempanna (84), president of the Karnataka Contractors’ Association, who made headlines by accusing the previous BJP government of demanding a 40% commission, passed away on Thursday following a heart attack at his residence in Jyothipura, Bengaluru.

Kempanna, who had been unwell for the past few days, had recently been discharged from a private hospital after treatment. Family sources confirmed that he breathed his last at 10 AM.

Kempanna had previously written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing the BJP government of corruption, fueling the “PayCM” campaign against the party by Congress/.

Earlier this year, in February, Kempanna had also accused the Congress government of continuing the 40% commission practice. His allegations had caused tension for the ruling Congress while serving as a point of attack for the BJP. Kempanna claimed that contractors were still being asked for commissions to clear their bills, and despite the Congress being in power for over five months, payment transparency remained an issue.

Responding to his accusations, Congress leaders clarified that the pending bills were from the previous BJP government’s tenure. They also arranged a press conference where Kempanna claimed there were no billing issues under the current Congress administration.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his condolences, acknowledging Kempanna’s efforts in exposing the 40% commission scandal and fighting corruption in public contracts. CM Siddaramaiah shared his message on social media, mourning the loss of Kempanna.