The Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticized the Congress-led government in the state for the liquor vendors’ association decision to complain to Rahul Gandhi about alleged illegalities in the Excise Department. Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly R. Ashoka expressed disappointment over the corruption and commission racket in the Excise Department, leading to the association’s decision to approach Rahul Gandhi.
Ashoka highlighted the association’s unlikely gains from this move, questioning the relief that could be expected when allegations involve Rahul Gandhi himself. He emphasized the need to remove the current government in Karnataka for the issues faced by contractors and liquor vendors to be resolved.
The president of the Liquor Vendors’ Association, S. Guruswamy, revealed the association’s plan to meet Rahul Gandhi and address the corruption issues in the Excise Department. The recent bribery scandal involving a Deputy Commissioner and Excise Minister R.B. Thimmapur has further fueled concerns about widespread corruption in the state.
Guruswamy criticized the pervasive corruption across various levels, from ministers to junior officers, with repeated complaints to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah yielding no response. The association intends to escalate the matter by filing complaints with the Karnataka Lokayukta, Governor, and the Central government.
The BJP has strongly opposed the corruption allegations against Excise Minister Thimmapur, demanding his resignation and staging a protest during the Assembly session.
