Bengaluru, Jan 20 (NationPress) The Karnataka division of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has leveled accusations against the Congress-led administration concerning an alleged Rs 2,500 crore scam in the excise department. The BJP is demanding action against Excise Minister R.B. Thimmapur and is questioning Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's apparent inaction.

The Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, R. Ashoka, remarked, "Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who frequently claims, 'my life is an open book', what is the reason for your silence in light of such grave allegations and documented proof? When such extensive illegalities are occurring right under your supervision, why are you not speaking out?"

"The general populace is increasingly worried about your involvement in this scandal. What is preventing you from swiftly removing the corrupt Minister for Excise R.B. Thimmapur from office, who is alleged to be extorting 'monthly fees' from bars, pubs, and clubs?" Ashoka questioned.

"While there is no definitive answer regarding where this massive corruption money is going, one must wonder whether such extortion can occur without the Chief Minister's and ministers' tacit approval," Ashoka stated.

"The Excise Department has devolved into an ATM for the Congress government’s percentage-based extortion scheme. From the transfer of officials to the issuance of liquor shop licenses, bribery has become obligatory at every level. Not a single file moves without a bribe, clearly showcasing the extensive corruption rampant within the Excise Department. There is considerable evidence indicating a massive scam totaling up to Rs 2,500 crore stemming from the forced extortion imposed on liquor establishments under the guise of 'monthly fees'," Ashoka alleged.

The fact that the State Liquor Merchants’ Association has submitted a formal complaint, along with a bar owner approaching the Lokayukta alleging that false cases are lodged and quotas set if bribes are not paid, serves as clear evidence of the department's misconduct, Ashoka noted.

The BJP leader also criticized Minister for RDPR, IT, and BT Priyank Kharge, asking, "Despite this, you still seek proof, Minister Priyank Kharge - does your administration possess any sense of shame?"

He added that in a bid to replenish the state treasury, liquor sales have been permitted to proceed unchecked throughout the state. "To quench this government's thirst for funds, the futures of the state's youth are being sacrificed. The liquor racket is infiltrating every village, with even young children and students falling prey to alcohol addiction. Intoxication-related accidents are displacing families. In light of all these repercussions, the Excise Department officials remain solely focused on revenue collection," Ashoka asserted.

"The Congress-led government must urgently take action, obtain Minister Thimmapur’s resignation, and initiate a thorough investigation. If your goal is to protect the corrupt, the citizens will deliver a stern message. Either reform yourselves or vacate your positions," Ashoka concluded.

It is noteworthy that the excise department scandal, involving the arrest of three officials, including a Deputy Commissioner, has taken a new turn with the BJP alleging the involvement of Minister R.B. Thimmapur.

This situation has become a source of embarrassment for the administration as the special session of the Legislature is set to begin on January 22. The Congress government is convening this special session to criticize the Centre regarding the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB G RAM G).

A complaint has also been filed against Minister Thimmapur with the Karnataka Lokayukta.

BJP leaders have released alleged audio recordings where an officer is purportedly heard requesting a cut for the minister. Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to demand the resignation of Minister Thimmapur and noted that if the CM remains silent, it could imply his involvement in the scam.