BJP state President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra criticized the Siddaramaiah government for an alleged excise ‘scam’, highlighting the proliferation of liquor shops due to government policies. Vijayendra emphasized the need for a decisive action on the excise issue by the Chief Minister of the Congress-led government.
Vijayendra called for the resignation of the Excise Minister before initiating a corruption probe, citing widespread corruption within the government, including the Excise Department. He expressed concerns over the state’s financial mismanagement and the surge in liquor licenses, accusing the government of fostering alcoholism in Karnataka.
Alleging indiscriminate issuance of liquor licenses and pervasive corruption in various departments, Vijayendra pointed out a Rs 6,000 crore scam in the Excise Department. He highlighted an audio tape implicating the Excise Minister and the Chief Minister, urging accountability and drawing parallels to past resignations in corruption cases.
The BJP leader criticized the government’s protection of the Excise Minister amidst mounting pressure for his resignation, accusing the Congress of shielding corruption. Vijayendra disclosed plans for continued protests by the BJP and JD(S) against the alleged excise scam and ministerial arrogance.
