R Ashok exhibited pen drive ; BJP demands resignation of Excise Minister on corruption charges

Bengaluru, : The Karnataka Assembly witnessed stormy scenes on Monday as the BJP intensified its demand for the resignation of Excise Minister R.B. Thimmapur over serious allegations of corruption in the Excise Department. Leader of Opposition R. Ashok pressed for a comprehensive investigation and insisted that the minister step down until the probe is completed.

Raising the issue under Rule 69, Ashok accused the Excise Department of indulging in large-scale irregularities and illegal collections. He claimed that an audio clip, which has gone viral, clearly indicated that licences and transfers were being arranged only after contacting the minister or his son. Displaying a pen drive in the House, Ashok said he possessed audio evidence exposing the corrupt practices in the department.

“The audio has become a national issue. It clearly reveals how officials are demanding bribes for postings and licences. This is a new model of corruption under the present government,” Ashok alleged. He further stated that massive loot was taking place in the department and questioned why the government had not sent the audio for forensic examination if it was fake.

The discussion quickly turned into a heated exchange between the ruling Congress and the Opposition. Ashok demanded that a proper inquiry be ordered and that Minister Thimmapur resign on moral grounds. “The Excise Minister is not fit to continue in office. The public has the right to know where the looted money has gone. Until the investigation is over, he must quit,” Ashok asserted.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah arrived in the Assembly towards the end of Ashok’s speech. Taking a dig at him, the BJP leader said, “In movies, police come at the end to catch thieves. Now let us see if Siddaramaiah will act the same way and take action against his own minister.”

Ashok accused the Chief Minister of maintaining silence despite growing evidence of corruption. “Posting for money, revival of inactive licences, and systematic collections have become routine. But Siddaramaiah is acting like a silent spectator,” he charged.

Supporting Ashok, BJP MLA Sunil Kumar said the corruption scandal was too big to be discussed briefly. “We are ready to discuss any issue, including MGNREGA, but first the Excise scam must be taken up for detailed debate,” he said.

As the Opposition continued to demand Thimmapur’s resignation, the Chief Minister defended his cabinet colleague, stating that the allegations were baseless. “Minister Thimmapur will reply to all accusations in the evening. Why should he resign just because the Opposition is demanding it?” Siddaramaiah asked.

Despite repeated assurances from the Speaker and the Chief Minister, BJP and JD(S) members continued their protest inside the House. Interestingly, Minister Thimmapur remained silent throughout the uproar, offering no immediate reaction to the serious charges being levelled against him.

The confrontation once again highlighted the deepening political battle in Karnataka, with the Opposition determined to corner the government over alleged corruption in one of its key revenue-generating departments.