Rayareddy clarifies corruption remark, says taken out of context

Basavaraj Rayareddy, Economic Advisor to the Karnataka Chief Minister, has clarified that his recent remarks on corruption were misquoted and misrepresented in the media. Addressing the controversy, Rayareddy explained that his comments were not directed at any particular political party or administration but were part of a broader conversation on systemic corruption in governance.

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“There was a meeting in relation to the Imbalance Redressal Committee. The DC had invited me to give suggestions,” Rayareddy said. “A few members mentioned that during the Nanjundappa report, certain developments happened. I asked them to hand over the reports of recommendations to the CM. I had not even made any statement to the press. Somehow the press has written half this way, half that way.”

His clarification comes amid reports that quoted him as saying, “corruption is rampant in the state irrespective of which party is in power.” Rayareddy stood by the sentiment but insisted it was a “general statement” that applies across India, not an attack on any specific government.

“During the BJP government, there was corruption. A CM had also gone to jail. I don’t want my state to suffer. I told them that a quality check has to be done,” he added, emphasising his concern for good governance and accountability over political point-scoring.