The BJP on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Congress-led Karnataka government, alleging large-scale corruption running into thousands of crores in the state’s Excise Department. Leader of the Opposition
R Ashok claimed the department, which functions under the Finance Ministry, has been turned into a revenue collection mechanism with fixed year-on-year targets.
Ashok cited the recent arrest of Excise Deputy Commissioner Jagadeesh Naik, Superintendent Thammanna and constable Lakkappa by the Lokayukta police while allegedly accepting a Rs 25 lakh bribe, holding Chief Minister Siddaramaiah “directly responsible” for what he termed “massive corruption” in the department.
He alleged that bribes were being systematically collected for various liquor licences, including CL-7, CL-2, CL-9 and microbrewery licences, with the proceeds allegedly running into hundreds and thousands of crores. According to the leader of Opposition, the money flows “from table to table, up to the minister”.
The BJP leader demanded the immediate resignation of Excise Minister RB Thimmappur, warning that failure to remove him would amount to acceptance of an “85 per cent commission” reaching the chief minister.
Ashok also accused the Congress government of hypocrisy, calling it “fake Gandhian” and alleging that while people were being pushed towards intoxication, corruption was flourishing unchecked.
He further claimed that excise funds were allegedly diverted to finance election campaigns in other states, demanding a comprehensive probe into the department’s functioning.
