Karnataka Contractors Threaten Statewide Stir Over ₹37,370 Crore Unpaid Dues

• The Karnataka State Contractors' Association (KSCA) threatens to halt all infrastructure works and launch a statewide agitation if the government fails to clear ₹37,370 crore in pending bills.
• KSCA President R Manjunath urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for an appointment to discuss phased fund release, warning of protests from March 5 if no response.
• The Water Resources Department owes ₹13,000 crore, and the Public Works Department owes ₹8,370 crore, with other departments also having substantial dues.
• KSCA General Secretary GM Nandakumar alleged increased corruption and middleman influence in tender approvals, particularly in the Urban Development Department.
• Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh rejected the allegations as baseless, stating that ministers have no role in contract awards and that funds are released transparently after Finance Department approval.

Why It Matters: Karnataka contractors demand ₹37,370 crore in pending dues, threatening statewide protests and alleging corruption.