Nothing wrong if people happily give tips to govt officials, says K’taka mantri, sparks row
Ranjith Kandyatnn 21.09.2026
Hassan: Karnataka minister KM Shivalingegowda has waded into a row with his rem-ark that there is “nothing wr-ong” if people happily give “tips” or “honorarium” to govt officials. The Hassan district minister made the comment during a public-grievances meet here on Saturday, drawing sharp reactions from the public and opposition BJP in the state.
Puneeth, a farmer who was there to highlight his land case, confronted the minister. “Officials are paid a salary. Why should we give them tips? Doesn’t this amount to encouraging bribery?” he said.
People in attendance backed Puneeth and the meeting turned into chaos. Sensing the situation getting out of hand, Shivalingegowda tried to defend himself. “I meant officials should not extort money. I said honest workers should be respected, not that bribery should be encouraged,” he said.
Deputy commissioner KS Latha Kumari pacified the protesters. “The minister’s statement has been misinterpreted. If officials demand bribes for work, stringent legal action will be taken against them,” she said. BJP MLC CT Ravi, in an X post, said while CM D K Shivakumar tells people to complain to him if anyone asks for even Rs 10 as a bribe, his ministers are asking people to “respectfully give bribes”. “It may be natural for you to receive or give bribes, minister, but not for the people of Karnataka,” he added.
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