Bengaluru, Feb 4 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has accused the BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) of targeting a Dalit Minister through an overnight protest that demanded the resignation of Excise Minister R.B. Thimmapur.

In a press conference held at the Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar challenged the opposition's moral compass, referencing alleged irregularities from the previous BJP-led administration. "There were significant irregularities in PSI recruitment during their tenure. Who resigned back then? BJP leaders are engaging in these actions solely to target a Dalit Minister," he stated.

In response to the BJP's push for Thimmapur's resignation, Shivakumar remarked that the Excise Minister has already uncovered numerous corruption instances linked to the BJP's governance. "The BJP lacks any evidence to back their claims. These accusations are fabricated. The opposition is merely performing theatrics to maintain their political relevance," he asserted.

Shivakumar further alleged that the BJP is trying to shift focus away from discussions regarding the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). "They appear hesitant to engage in a debate about MGNREGA and are creating disturbances instead. They should first clarify the new law enacted by their own administration. Lacking any robust defense, they are attempting to divert attention from the critical issues," he emphasized.

Expanding on the subject, Shivakumar explained that under MGNREGA, panchayats have the autonomy to determine projects within their jurisdiction, whereas the BJP's Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB G RAM G] Act centralizes decision-making. "Let BJP leaders clarify how many cattle sheds can be constructed in each village or how many farmers' lands can be leveled under this scheme," he challenged.

He also claimed that the Act's implementation is not feasible in BJP-governed states. "We possess documents to prove this. They should be open to a discussion. We are prepared for a debate," he stated.

Meanwhile, the proceedings of the Karnataka Assembly were interrupted as BJP and JD(S) members protested inside the House. Following the commencement of the session, opposition legislators gathered in the well of the House, demanding the resignation of Excise Minister R.B. Thimmapur.

In response to the opposition's allegations regarding a rumored Rs 6,000-crore excise scam and the relentless protests at the Vidhana Soudha, Thimmapur asserted that he will not resign under any circumstances.