Will Karnataka Excise Minister Explain in House Amid Scam Allegations?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bengaluru, Jan 27 (NationPress) In response to the BJP's protest demanding his resignation over accusations of a scam, Excise Minister R.B. Timmapur declared on Tuesday that he has no intention of stepping down and will provide a detailed clarification on the assembly floor.
While addressing the media in Bengaluru, he asserted, “I will not resign. Let the BJP raise this issue during the session. I will respond to the allegations and offer my clarifications.”
Concurrently, the Karnataka BJP continued its demonstrations, insisting on Timmapur's resignation by disrupting assembly proceedings and protesting in the Well of the Legislative Assembly as soon as the session commenced.
BJP legislators ignored the request from Speaker U.T. Khader to start the Question Hour. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka claimed that videos purportedly showing the minister and officials involved in the Rs 2,500 crore scam had emerged, igniting widespread public discourse.
“We cannot ascertain whether Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is also partaking in this corruption,” Ashoka alleged.
He further indicated that liquor vendors were escalating their grievances to Rahul Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the President of India. “The state's integrity is being auctioned off. When the ST Corporation scandal was revealed, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah demanded the resignation of a Cabinet minister. Why is there a delay now?” Ashoka questioned.
“We are protesting and should be allowed to voice our concerns. A formal request has already been submitted,” he stated.
In reply, Speaker Khader acknowledged the formal request and indicated he would invoke Rule 69 to permit a discussion. Ashoka agreed to this arrangement, withdrew the protest, and emphasized that the Speaker should remain impartial.
Earlier, the BJP held a demonstration in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue, calling for Timmapur's resignation and alleging that funds were being raised to support the Congress party’s election campaigns in Kerala, Assam, and Tamil Nadu.
The protest was led by R. Ashoka and BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra. BJP MLAs and MLCs displayed placards demanding Timmapur's resignation while chanting slogans against the state government. The placards indicated that the protest would persist until the minister stepped down.