Bengaluru, Jan 23 (NationPress) Members of the Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) initiated a protest in the Well of the state Assembly on Friday, demanding the resignation of Excise Minister R.B. Thimmapur regarding an alleged corruption scandal.

The BJP accused the Congress-led government of generating illicit funds through the excise department to support electoral campaigns in Assam and Kerala.

This excise department scandal, which led to the arrest of three officials, including a Deputy Commissioner, took a significant turn with the BJP implicating Minister R.B. Thimmapur.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka brought the issue to the forefront in the Assembly, insisting on an immediate discussion and calling for Minister Thimmapur's resignation.

“The Excise Minister and the entire department are engaging in corrupt practices. An audio recording has emerged, and a formal complaint has been submitted to the Lokayukta. This issue warrants urgent discussion,” Ashoka demanded.

Senior BJP MLA V. Sunil Kumar emphasized that the case revolves around kickbacks, questioning the delay in addressing such a serious matter. Former Home Minister Araga Jnanendra highlighted the scale of the corruption, insisting, “The Minister is present here. He should resign.”

BJP members shouted slogans demanding Thimmapur's resignation, asserting that money was being funneled for elections in Assam and Kerala.

Quoting Minister Priyank Kharge, Ashoka noted that if the allegations are substantiated, Minister Thimmapur would not retain his position. He challenged the government to discuss the issue openly, questioning the hesitation if they are indeed ready for dialogue.

“It is undeniable that funds are being sent for elections in Assam and Kerala — this is a fact. When allegations arose against former BJP Minister K.S. Eshwarappa, the Congress, then in opposition, vehemently attacked us. I am presenting this pen drive. If the claims are false, take action against me. A comprehensive complaint has been submitted to the Lokayukta with supporting documents,” Ashoka said.

BJP legislator Sunil Kumar asserted that the corruption within the excise department is extensive and must be addressed. “This further confirms that a corrupt government is in power. With elections in Kerala and Assam approaching, this government aims to generate illicit funds,” he alleged.

As protests escalated, Home Minister G. Parameshwara and Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao contested the accusations. The Speaker, Khader, adjourned the House as BJP members intensified their protests.

Upon resuming, BJP members continued their protests, reiterating their demands for Thimmapur's resignation while disrupting proceedings with slogans like “This is a loot government,” “Resignation is essential,” and “The Excise Minister is corrupt.”

Speaker Khader remarked that there is no precedent for a protest in the Well of the House leading to a minister’s resignation and postponed further sessions until Monday (January 26).

BJP leaders circulated purported audio recordings indicating an officer demanding a cut for the minister.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka pressed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to seek Thimmapur's resignation, warning that silence would imply his involvement in the corruption.

The Karnataka Lokayukta apprehended the Deputy Commissioner and two other officials from the Excise Department for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 25 lakh to issue a bar license last Saturday. The accused reportedly solicited a total bribe of Rs 80 lakh and were caught receiving the initial payment.

An official report from the Lokayukta confirmed the arrests of three officials following a complaint by C. Lakshminarayana. The complainant had applied for a bar license (CL-7). The arrested individuals were identified as Jagadeesh Naik, Excise Deputy Commissioner; K.M. Thammanna, Superintendent of Excise; and Lakkappa Gani, Excise Constable, all affiliated with the Bangalore Urban District-8 office.

The complaint alleged that Deputy Commissioner Jagadeesh Naik and Superintendent Thammanna demanded an Rs 80 lakh bribe for granting the CL-7 license and a microbrewery license.

On Sunday (Jan 18), Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka claimed that a bribery transaction of Rs 2,500 crore has transpired in the Excise Department, with this money purportedly being funneled for elections. Thus, Minister R.B. Thimmapur should resign. He accused the government of imposing revenue targets on departments while licenses in the Excise Department are being auctioned.

He stated that CM Siddaramaiah bears direct responsibility for this. Congress leaders are employing Mahatma Gandhi’s name to oppose the VB G Ram G scheme while simultaneously allowing the state to succumb to addiction and undermining Gandhi's legacy, he concluded.

R.B. Thimmapur is a prominent Congress leader from the Dalit community and a close ally of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.