In Karnataka, opposition leader R. Ashok has alleged a bribe scandal, claiming approximately 2,500 crore rupees have exchanged hands within the state's Excise Department, contributing to election funds. Ashok is calling for the immediate resignation of Excise Minister R.B. Thimmapur.
At a press conference, Ashok highlighted, 'The government sets revenue targets for each department, yet the Excise Department brazenly auctions licenses. Deputy Commissioner Jagdish Nayak of the Excise Department was caught red-handed by the Lokayukta police accepting a bribe of 25 lakh rupees. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is directly responsible for this.'
Ashok pointed out that Congress leaders are using Mahatma Gandhi's name to oppose the VBJ Ram Ji scheme while, paradoxically, plunging the state into addiction, thus destroying Gandhi's values. He emphasized that if Minister Thimmapur does not resign following the Excise Department scandal, the Chief Minister is to blame.
Ashok claimed a projected bribe rate of 1.25 crores per CL-7 license, accruing 1,225 crores for 750 licenses. The CL-2 licenses involve a 1.5-crore bribe per license, totaling approximately 925 crores for 650 licenses. CL-9 licenses have allegedly procured 92 crore rupees in bribes. Mini-brewery licenses are priced at 2.5 crore rupees each, accumulating to a total bribe sum of approximately 2,500 crores.
'These funds are reportedly diverted for the Assam elections. An audio recording has surfaced, discussing payments either to the minister or his son, displaying their so-called affection for Gandhi,' Ashok remarked. Prime Minister Narendra Modi previously indicated that funds from the Excise Department were channeled into Maharashtra elections.
He further acknowledged BJP's efforts to expose scandals involving schemes like the Gruha Lakshmi Yojana, worth 5,000 crores, and land deals like the 600-crore Kogilu Cross, saving substantial amounts. The battle against Excise Department corruption is set to continue until its culmination.
Addressing the drug mafia issue, Ashok stated, 'In the assembly session, when I raised this topic, Home Minister G. Parameshwara assured actions were taken. However, yesterday, the Chief Minister himself revealed the police department's failure. He questioned why, with Maharashtra police in the state, the local police remained inactive.' Ashok disclosed that 180 individuals are involved in the drug mafia, with operations extending even within prisons, implicating police collusion. He accused police stations of functioning as Congress offices, where bribes secure desired postings.
