BJP Intensifies Pressure on Karnataka Excise Minister Over Massive Corruption Allegations
In a significant political development in Bengaluru, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday forcefully reiterated its demand for the immediate resignation of Karnataka Excise Minister RB Timmapur. The opposition party has leveled serious allegations of widespread bribery, organized transfer rackets, and blatant political interference within the state excise department, painting a picture of systemic corruption.
Allegations of a Rs 6,000 Crore Scandal and Evidentiary Backing
BJP members have alleged the existence of a staggering Rs 6,000 crore scam operating within the excise framework. To substantiate these grave claims, the party has pointed to multiple pieces of evidence, including audio recordings and formal complaints lodged with the Karnataka Lokayukta. These complaints reportedly originate from licence applicants and the Excise Contract Owners Association, adding weight to the accusations.
Opposition Leader R Ashoka, leading the charge, stated, "Bribes are systematically taken to grant licences and to facilitate transfers of officials. Related audio recordings have been made public, and formal complaints are now with the Lokayukta. Therefore, Minister Timmapur should resign immediately."
Detailed Breakdown of Bribery and Transfer Rackets
Ashoka provided a detailed, shocking breakdown of the alleged corruption mechanisms:
- Monthly Extortion from Outlets: He alleged that an audio clip featuring Timmapur's son has surfaced. According to the claim, bribes ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 are collected monthly from each of the state's 14,229 liquor outlets. This translates to an estimated Rs 21 crore per month and a colossal Rs 252 crore annually.
- Structured Transfer Fees: Ashoka outlined a well-defined price list for official transfers within the department:
- Deputy commissioners allegedly pay Rs 2.5 to 3.5 crore.
- Superintendents are charged Rs 25 to 30 lakh.
- Deputy superintendents face demands of Rs 30 to 40 lakh.
- Excise inspectors reportedly pay Rs 40 to 50 lakh.
- Constables are not spared, with alleged fees of Rs 5 to 8 lakh.
He further claimed that constables themselves operate four to five bars, indicating deep conflicts of interest. Ashoka also accused officials of instructing liquor outlets to stock extra supplies for programs involving the Chief Minister and Deputy CM in Hubballi, stating, "This ruins homes. Siddaramaiah talks about lessons in sensitivity. Telling people to drink liquor is their idea of sensitivity."
Political Interference and Ministerial Powerlessness Alleged
The BJP leader criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for inaction, noting that the president of the liquor sellers' association, Guruswamy, had complained to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, yet no steps were taken. "He is no longer a strong CM," Ashoka remarked.
In a revealing allegation, Ashoka claimed that Minister Timmapur's authority over transfers is severely restricted to only three districts, with the rest controlled by "unseen hands." He quoted the minister as telling a close friend, "He has no control over the transfer of officials in his own department." This points to potential power struggles or external control within the administration.
JD(S) Joins the Fray with Caste-Based Allegations
Adding another dimension to the controversy, HT Manju of the Janata Dal (Secular) alleged that CL7 licences for bars and restaurants are being denied due to "petty politics" and caste considerations. He provided a specific instance from Mandya district, claiming, "The DC denied a CL7 licence because the applicant belonged to the Vokkaliga community and was linked to JD(S). He was told to approach the CM or his son Yathindra with a Kuruba delegation to get approval." This allegation introduces a serious charge of caste-based discrimination in the licensing process.
The combined allegations from the BJP and JD(S) present a multi-faceted crisis for the Karnataka government, involving financial corruption, administrative malpractice, and socio-political bias, all centered on the state's lucrative excise department.
