The Janata Dal (Secular) has alleged irregularities and corruption in Karnataka’s Regional Transport Offices (RTOs), accusing the Congress-led State government of allowing retired employees and private agents to handle official work.

In a social media post, the JD(S) “congratulated” the State government sarcastically for allegedly providing government chairs and cabins to retired ‘D’ grade employees and agents for handling file clearances in RTO offices. The party questioned Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh and Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar over the functioning of the department.

The JD(S) referred to a written reply in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, which, it claimed, acknowledged the presence of private individuals and retired staff working illegally in RTO offices. The party also alleged that online services such as VAHAN-4 and Sarathi-4 were being sidelined, forcing citizens to depend on intermediaries for services.

The party further questioned the department’s response to alleged corruption cases, including instances where FIRs were registered following Lokayukta raids. It asked whether officials were turning a blind eye to alleged collection of money through agents.

The JD(S) described the situation as evidence of administrative failure and called for greater accountability and transparency in RTO offices.