Vijayapura: The members of the Bijapur District Contractors Association have extended full support to the one-month-long protest called by Karnataka Contractors Association in the city.

After the death of contractor Santosh Patil, who has allegedly committed suicide, the members of the state contractors’ association have decided to go on a one-month strike opposing the atrocities of the government. The contractors claimed that they will stop all the ongoing works/projects for a month. 

The decision has been taken after Patil allegedly committed suicide where the relatives of Patil have accused RDPR Minister K. S. Eshwarappa of creating a situation that forced him to take such an extreme step.

Even the contractors from Vijayapura have expressed full support to the state association for the one-month-long protest. They also condoled the death of the Santosh and demanded justice for his alleged suicide.

C R Rodagi, chairman of Vijayapura District Contractors Association, pointed out, “The contractors will always be under severe pressure until the government clear bills. If the government delays clearing payments, then contractors have to pay huge interest from their own pockets for the loans they took while carrying out works. Along with this the percentage demand from politicians in every project is a big headache.”

“The demand for commission or percentage from politicians in each project exists in all the states including in Vijayapura. The politicians demand more commission in this region also. With raw materials prices skyrocketing it has become difficult to manage project works and also politicians.”

“We condemn the death of contractor Santosh Patil. The government has to carry out a detailed investigation and serve justice to the family. We have also decided to extend financial help to the victim's family. With the consent of all the members, we have extended support to the strike called by the state contractors association,” said chairman Rodagi.

Several contractors have expressed anguish over the ministers and elected members for demanding a high percentage in projects.

“If any contractor spells out the names of politicians that demand high commission in projects then he/she will be targeted. He/She will be denied projects in future. The government has to bring out strict policy about financial management in all the projects. The atrocity against contractors from politicians is at its peak in the state. We cannot point out one person. Everyone is involved in this crime. I strongly condemn this death and the minister has to tender his resignation until he is given clean-chit,” demanded a Class-I contractor, who wished to be unnamed.