Bengaluru, Jan 21 (NationPress) The former national general secretary of the BJP and Legislative Council member, C.T. Ravi, has claimed that the mere retention of Excise Minister R.B. Thimmapur in his position signifies that corruption is occurring under the direct oversight of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Speaking at a press briefing at the BJP’s state headquarters, Jagannath Bhavan, Ravi stated that corruption within the Excise Department has been a well-known issue for over a year. "Attempts to conceal this malpractice were made back then. The minister should have been relieved of his duties immediately," he remarked.

Ravi accused the Congress-led administration of a strategy focused on "filling their bags," emphasizing that the inaction regarding the Excise Minister's position is indicative of ongoing corruption, protected by the Chief Minister himself.

He asserted that the entire government is engulfed in corruption, affecting all departments. "Even those who initially supported this government are now proclaiming it to be the most corrupt administration. The environment created is alarming. Contractors are alleging a 60 percent commission rate," he added.

Ravi further claimed that the government has reached an unprecedented level of corruption.

"It appears that the Chief Minister believes he may not hold power for much longer, prompting him to fill as many bags as possible during his remaining time in office," Ravi alleged. He stated that the system has been engineered to promote corrupt practices.

Recently, Karnataka Lokayukta officials apprehended the Deputy Commissioner and two other officials from the Excise Department for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 25 lakh in exchange for a bar license. The accused were said to have demanded a total bribe of Rs 80 lakh and were caught while receiving the initial payment.

The complainant, C. Lakshminarayana, has lodged a complaint against Minister Thimmapur with the Karnataka Lokayukta.

Furthermore, the Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, alleged on January 18 that a bribery scheme amounting to Rs 2,500 crore has transpired within the Excise Department, suggesting that this money is being utilized for electoral purposes. He insisted that Minister R.B. Thimmapur should step down, asserting that the government sets ambitious revenue targets for its departments. However, in the Excise Department, licenses are being auctioned off.

In response to inquiries, BJP MLC Ravi defended the ‘VB G Ram G’ scheme, dismissing Congress's objections. "After reviewing the issue, I found no major flaws. Previously, the duration was 100 days; it has now been extended to 125 days. Who is being harmed by these additional 25 days?" he questioned.

He noted that the previous focus on mere daily wages has shifted to a focus on asset creation. "Is this a crime?" he challenged.

"In the past, it was only about daily wages for survival. Now, the scheme includes skill development, enabling people to become self-sufficient. Is this a bad thing? Let them decide. There is no need to shy away from a debate," he stated.

Ravi also rebutted claims that Mahatma Gandhi’s name had been altered, asking, "Why do they have animosity towards Ram?" He emphasized that Mahatma Gandhi frequently referenced the concept of Ram Rajya, questioning the government's intolerance towards celebrating Ram’s principles.

Ravi asserted that the VB-G RAM G scheme aims to empower the underprivileged, not corrupt individuals. "In the past, public funds were squandered. Now, beneficiaries are required to contribute 40 percent, instilling a sense of responsibility. Wasn’t permission granted earlier to exploit this in the name of central funds?" he questioned.

In response to another query, Ravi expressed shock over the arrest of Hindu activist Puneet Kerehalli, who identified illegal Bangladeshi nationals in Bengaluru. "Kerehalli, who acted in the national interest, should have been honored on Republic Day. The presence of illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators obtaining BPL cards, Aadhaar cards, and being included in voter lists and availing bank loans poses a threat to our internal security. Instead of recognizing him for his efforts, he has been detained," he lamented.

Ravi questioned the government, asking, "Is this a government for the people of Karnataka or a government for Bangladeshis?"