Bengaluru, February 4: Legislators from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) spent the night in the Karnataka Assembly protesting against Excise Minister R.B. Thimmappa over an alleged liquor scam. The demonstration continued into Wednesday morning.
Karnataka BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, along with Opposition Leader R. Ashok and several other legislators, were seen taking a morning walk in the assembly premises.
Later, the legislators gathered to discuss their next steps over tea. Shortly after, the protest resumed, with BJP and JDS members sitting on the steps at the assembly entrance, chanting slogans demanding the resignation of the excise minister. They also sang songs and shouted “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”
BJP MLA Channabasappa even performed a devotional song, joined by Vijayendra, Ashok, and other legislators, including Opposition Deputy Leader Arvind Bellad.
The BJP and JDS legislators are demanding the resignation of Excise Minister R.B. Thimmappa in connection with the alleged liquor scam. Opposition Leader R. Ashok claimed that for the first time in Karnataka’s history, the liquor association has accused the Excise Department of a ₹6,000 crore scam.
He further alleged that the excise minister was collecting ₹250 to ₹300 crore every month. According to him, there were claims of ₹2 crore being demanded for each Deputy Commissioner post and ₹10 lakh for constable-level postings. Ashok also referenced an audio recording in which a Deputy Commissioner allegedly stated that ministers require a “cut.” A complaint against the minister has been filed with the Lokayukta.
Ashok stated, “Despite all this, the minister is demanding evidence, and the entire government, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who also holds the finance portfolio, is supporting him. This indicates that a significant amount of money is reaching the Congress high command. This hefty ₹6,000 crore collection is for the elections. We are protesting, and we will continue until Excise Minister Thimmappa resigns.”
