Siddaramaiah's adviser says Karnataka most corrupt

BENGALURU/KOPPAL: In an embarrassment to Congress govt in Karnataka , CM Siddaramaiah's economic adviser Basavaraj Rayareddi described the state as "No. 1 in corruption" at a meeting Tuesday.

"No matter who is in power, rampant corruption will take place and the Karnataka state is No. 1 in corruption," Rayareddi reportedly said at the meeting organised by Regional Imbalance Redressal Committee in Koppal.

In a damage-control exercise Wednesday, Rayareddi said his comments were "misinterpreted" by the media. He claimed he merely highlighted poor quality in public works initiated by his and previous govts. "I addressed officials, stating the quality of govt projects is lacking in Kalyana Karnataka region... I questioned how... regional imbalance can be addressed. Therefore, I suggested the committee include my recommendation in its report to ensure high-quality work that leaves no room for corruption," the Yelburga MLA clarified.

Rayareddi also added, "I mentioned that the state has been branded for corruption due to poor quality of work. I did not make any corruption allegation against the present govt or previous govts."

The remark sparked controversy. BJP state president BY Vijayendra , targeting the CM, said, " Karnataka, under your administration, has become synonymous with corruption on the national stage, bringing shame to the state at the international level."