Bengaluru, Aug. 31 -- Allegations of a seven per cent commission being collected from contractors in the name of ministers in the Mangaluru division of Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL) have sparked a political controversy, with Opposition leader R Ashoka demanding an independent investigation.

The issue came to light after Puttur Congress MLA Ashok Kumar Rai reportedly complained to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, alleging that contractors were being pressured to pay a percentage of the value of works in the name of the department and district in-charge ministers.

Ashoka seized on the complaint to target the Congress government, pointing out that the allegation had originated from within the ruling party.

Acco...