What Clarification is Siddaramaiah Seeking from Minister Thimmapur Regarding the Karnataka Excise Scam?
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Synopsis
The Karnataka excise department scandal intensifies as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah demands answers from Minister Thimmapur amidst allegations of bribery. With the Legislature session approaching, how will the government respond to this mounting pressure?
Key Takeaways
- Excise Department Scandal: Major bribery case involving top officials.
- Political Fallout: Opposition demands accountability and resignation.
- Chief Minister's Response: Seeks clarification from implicated minister.
- Upcoming Legislative Session: Government's reputation at stake.
- Public Outcry: Calls for transparency and reform in governance.
Bengaluru, Jan 19 (NationPress) The recent scandal involving the excise department, which led to the arrest of three officials, including a Deputy Commissioner, has taken a dramatic turn as the BJP has suggested that Minister R.B. Thimmapur is implicated.
This incident has become a significant embarrassment for the government, particularly with the special session of the Legislature set to begin on January 22. The Congress government is convening this session to challenge the Centre regarding the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB G RAM G).
Reports indicate that the Chief Minister is treating this matter with utmost seriousness and has requested an explanation from Minister Thimmapur. The Minister has attributed the controversy to misbehavior by his staff, claiming that some officials exploited his sons’ names for personal gain. It is anticipated that the Chief Minister will seek further details from the Minister to effectively counter opposition claims during the upcoming session.
As Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urges citizens to rally against the VB G Ram G law's repeal and the reinstatement of MGNREGA, this new development adds to the government's challenges.
BJP leaders have circulated alleged audio recordings in which an officer reportedly demands a kickback for the minister. R. Ashoka, the Opposition Leader, has called for Minister Thimmapur's resignation, warning that silence from the Chief Minister may imply his complicity in the scandal.
The complainant, C. Lakshminarayana, is expected to lodge a formal complaint against Minister Thimmapur with the Karnataka Lokayukta.
Karnataka Lokayukta officials apprehended the Deputy Commissioner and two other excise officials while they purportedly accepted a bribe of Rs 25 lakh for a bar license last Saturday. The officials were allegedly seeking a total bribe of Rs 80 lakh and were caught in the act of receiving the first payment.
An official statement from the Lokayukta confirmed that the police detained the three officials after receiving a complaint from C. Lakshminarayana, who had applied for a bar license (CL-7) with the Excise Department. Those detained included Jagadeesh Naik, the Excise Deputy Commissioner; K.M. Thammanna, the Superintendent of Excise; and Lakkappa Gani, an Excise Constable, all affiliated with the Office of Bangalore Urban District-8.
The complaint stated that Deputy Commissioner Jagadeesh Naik and Superintendent Thammanna demanded a bribe of Rs 80 lakh to issue the CL-7 license and a microbrewery license.
Lakshminarayana contacted the Lokayukta police, who then set up a sting operation and captured the officials while they were accepting a bribe of Rs 25 lakh. The Excise Constable Lakkappa Gani, implicated in delivering the bribe, was also arrested.
On January 18, R. Ashoka accused the Excise Department of facilitating a bribery scheme worth Rs 2,500 crore, claiming the funds are being utilized for electoral purposes. He demanded the resignation of Minister Thimmapur, accusing the government of imposing revenue targets on departments while licenses are effectively being auctioned in the Excise Department.
He also stated that CM Siddaramaiah bears direct responsibility for this situation. Congress leaders, he argued, are misusing Mahatma Gandhi's legacy to oppose the VB G Ram G scheme while simultaneously contributing to rampant addiction across the state, undermining Gandhi's principles.
R.B. Thimmapur is a prominent Congress figure from the Dalit community and a close ally of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Point of View
The excise department scandal has exposed potential cracks within the Congress government. The allegations against Minister Thimmapur could have significant implications, not only for the individuals involved but also for the party's reputation and governance ahead of critical legislative sessions. Navigating this situation demands transparency and accountability from all parties involved.
NationPress
22/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the investigation into the excise department?
The investigation was initiated after a complaint about bribery involving officials demanding significant sums for issuing bar licenses.
Who are the officials arrested in the excise scam?
The arrested officials include Jagadeesh Naik, the Excise Deputy Commissioner, K.M. Thammanna, the Superintendent of Excise, and Lakkappa Gani, an Excise Constable.
What is the total bribe amount alleged in the case?
The officials allegedly demanded a total bribe of Rs 80 lakh, with Rs 25 lakh accepted during the sting operation.
What are the political implications of this scandal?
The scandal poses a significant risk to the Congress government, particularly with opposition calls for resignation and the timing of the special legislative session.
How has the BJP responded to the allegations?
The BJP has accused Minister Thimmapur of involvement and has demanded his resignation, framing the situation as indicative of broader corruption in the government.
