Bengaluru, Feb 4 (NationPress) The Karnataka Assembly sessions proceeded on Wednesday despite protests from members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular). Immediately after the session began, opposition members moved to the well of the House, vociferously calling for the resignation of Excise Minister R.B. Thimmapur.

They shouted slogans, insisting that they would not allow the proceedings to continue until the Minister resigned.

Speaker U.T. Khader urged the opposition members to return to their seats and assist in the progression of the session. He also requested the Leader of Opposition, R. Ashoka, to articulate his stance clearly.

Ashoka asserted, “The excise scam totals a staggering Rs 6,000 crore and has left the state reeling. I have presented five pieces of evidence, including a pen drive with recorded conversations. Despite numerous appeals to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, no action has been taken. The Excise Minister must resign first, and only then will we cease our protest.”

Referring to historical instances, Ashoka noted, “When allegations arose against Minister K.J. George, he resigned and later rejoined the Cabinet after being cleared. Similarly, BJP Minister K.S. Eshwarappa stepped down following significant protests from the Congress party. During the BJP's administration, three ministers resigned. The public is aware of the excise scam. Why is the government reluctant to act? Allegations suggest that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is benefiting financially from the supposed illegal activities within the Excise Department.”

Ashoka further accused, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed that Rs 600 crore from Karnataka financed elections in Maharashtra. Would the Prime Minister make such statements without foundation? Presently, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is managing party affairs in Assam, while Minister K.J. George is dealing with Kerala. The funds flowing into those states are sourced from Karnataka through the Excise Department.”

“In the past, we claimed Karnataka had become an ATM for the Congress high command. Now, it has turned into the Reserve Bank for the party. Funds are being siphoned from Karnataka to Delhi. In this light, the resignation of the Excise Minister is crucial,” he emphasized.

Ashoka also pointed out that while a junior officer was suspended, no action had been taken against the Deputy Commissioner of the Excise Department, who was allegedly caught accepting a bribe. “He enjoys protection due to his caste. The government is embracing both corruption and casteism,” he stated.

Congress MLA Shivalinge Gowda interjected, urging the opposition to refrain from making accusations based solely on claims from a liquor association, and requested concrete evidence from the opposition.

At this juncture, Speaker U.T. Khader instructed members to use earphones and declared that proceedings would extend until midnight. He permitted discussions regarding the government resolution opposing the VB-G RAM G (Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin) Act.

Despite the uproar, the House proceedings persisted.