D. Kempanna, the 84-year-old president of the Karnataka Contractors' Association, passed away from a heart attack, prompting condolences from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Kempanna was notable for exposing the alleged 40% commission scam during the previous BJP government's tenure, which gained national attention and spurred a judicial inquiry into corrupt practices. His allegations led to the formation of a committee, overseen by retired High Court Judge Nagmohan Das, to investigate claims that contractors were coerced into paying kickbacks for state projects. Despite the Congress government taking power, Kempanna had claimed that such practices persisted. His advocacy against corruption and his role in drawing attention to these issues were acknowledged by Siddaramaiah, who described him as a 'fearless voice' in the fight against corruption. Kempanna's efforts significantly influenced political discourse in Karnataka, especially during the 2023 elections.