₹39,000-Crore Garbage Scam Row Erupts in Bengaluru; BJP Targets Karnataka Govt

The BJP has accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of a ₹39,000-crore alleged irregularity in Bengaluru’s municipal waste management contracts , sparking a fresh political row over urban governance and public spending accountability .

Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka alleged that a 35-year waste processing contract was awarded at inflated rates and involved procedural violations. He claimed the case includes a ₹10,000-crore kickback allegation and has submitted a complaint to the Governor seeking an investigation into the tender process.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla alleged that the tipping fee increased from ₹260 to ₹2,400 per tonne , calling it a nearly 950% jump. He further claimed the total project cost rose from about ₹6,117 crore to over ₹39,000 crore , calling the tender process “pre-decided” and alleging changes in conditions to favour select bidders.

He also questioned revisions in the detailed project report and alleged violations of procurement norms under the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements Act , claiming consultants and conditions were altered during the process.

Another BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari accused the government of “massive irregularities” and misgovernance, alleging that civic services in Bengaluru were deteriorating while political priorities dominated administration.

The Congress government has not responded to the allegations yet.

The controversy has intensified debate over municipal accountability, procurement transparency, and governance of urban infrastructure in Bengaluru.