AAP Karnataka media coordinator Jagadish V. Sadam has sought transparency over the state government's Rs. 28.52 crore cloud seeding contract
The Aam Aadmi Party has questioned the selection of a company for Karnataka's Rs. 28.52 crore cloud seeding project, alleging political connections and demanding transparency in the procurement process.
Bengaluru: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Karnataka has questioned the state government's decision to award a Rs. 28.52 crore cloud seeding contract, alleging possible misuse of power, favouritism and political-business connections.
AAP state media coordinator Jagadish V. Sadam said the party does not oppose the government's decision to invoke Section 4(g) of the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements Act to expedite cloud seeding measures amid drought conditions.
However, he questioned whether the exemption from the regular tender process was used to favour a politically connected organisation.
According to Sadam, the climate modification consultancy firm that has received the cloud seeding contract allegedly has business connections with Krishi Prakash Koliwada, son of MLA Prakash Koliwada.
He further alleged that the company also has business connections with Arun Karjol, son of BJP leader Govind M. Karjol.
Sadam said the alleged links have raised questions because the company is purportedly connected to families associated with both Congress and BJP leaders. He questioned whether the development points to an internal political understanding or a political-business nexus.
These claims were made by the AAP and have not been independently established in the statement.
Sadam said invoking Section 4(g) may be justified during a drought-related emergency, but argued that an emergency situation should not eliminate transparency in the selection of a service provider.
He demanded that the state government disclose the technical qualifications, previous experience, rates and selection criteria used to award the contract.
The AAP leader also questioned why the government selected the particular company when other firms, including Agni Aviation Consultants, Siri Aviations and GenX AI, have experience in cloud seeding-related activities.
Sadam also called on the Karnataka BJP to clarify its position over the alleged business connection involving Govind Karjol's son.
He challenged BJP state leaders to comment publicly on the issue if they believe there is no political understanding or business nexus involving the Congress government and politically connected families.
The AAP said the government must provide an account of how the Rs. 28.52 crore in public funds will be spent and ensure that the 4(G) exemption serves the public interest rather than benefiting politically influential individuals or organisations.
Sadam said the AAP condemns what he described as the misuse of power and nepotism and demanded greater transparency in the cloud seeding contract.
