Congress calls for Karnataka bandh to protest against corruption on March 9

President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee D K Shivakumar has called a bandh in the state that will be observed from 9 am to 11 am on March 9 to protest against the 'corrupt' Basavaraj Bommai-led BJP government.

D K Shivakumar's call for bandh comes a day after veteran Congress leader Siddarahmaiah staged a massive protest in Bengaluru and launched the 'Pay MLA' campaign as a mark of protest against sitting BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa. They also demanded the BJP MLA's arrest.

The Congress reiterated its 40% commission charge against the Bommai government and demanded the CM's resignation.

A few days ago, Virupakshappa's son



Prashanth was caught red-handed accepting a bribe of Rs 40 lakh at his private office in Bengaluru. The Lokayukta--the anti-corrutpion watchdog in Karnataka that was revived under the Basavaraj Bommai government's rule last year--has seized over Rs 8 crore from the BJP MLA's residence in Bengaluru.

Virupakshappa, the chairman of the Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited which is known for producing the soap 'Mysore Sandal', resigned from his post on Friday.

The Lokayukta's anti-corruption drive has provided political ammunition to the Opposition, especially the Congress which has been accusing the Bommai government of corruption and demanding his resignation.