Karnataka : Excise Row Escalates as Government and Opposition Trade Charges
Karnataka: political landscape witnessed fresh friction on Wednesday as senior government leaders and the Opposition sparred over allegations linked to the state’s Excise Department. The controversy, which is expected to dominate proceedings in the Legislative Assembly, has triggered protests, counterclaims, and renewed demands for an independent investigation.
Deputy Chief Minister Rejects Allegations
Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president D.K. Shivakumar dismissed the Opposition’s accusations, stating that the issue was being overstated for political reasons. He maintained that Excise Minister R.B. Timmapur had no role in the alleged irregularities being highlighted by rival parties.
Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar said the claims lacked substance and were part of a broader attempt to create confusion. He added that he would hold discussions with the Chief Minister before making any further remarks, suggesting that the matter was being turned into a political narrative rather than addressed through facts.
Assembly Session Expected to See Heated Debate
The dispute is set to spill onto the Assembly floor, with Opposition members planning to raise the issue under Rule 69. Legislative sources indicated that the discussion could lead to intense exchanges, given the sharp differences between the ruling coalition and the Opposition on the matter.
BJP Demands Independent Investigation
Earlier in the week, the Karnataka unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party formally called for a probe into what it described as an excise-related scam. The party urged that the inquiry be conducted either by a sitting High Court judge or the Central Bureau of Investigation, arguing that only an external agency could ensure transparency.
Joint Protest Near Vidhana Soudha
Karnataka BJP president and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra announced that the BJP and the Janata Dal (Secular) were jointly holding a protest near the Mahatma Gandhi statue at Vidhana Soudha. According to Vijayendra, the demonstration was aimed at drawing public attention to what the Opposition described as governance failures.
He said the protest included senior leaders from both Houses of the legislature, along with several MLAs and MLCs. The Opposition leaders accused the state government of avoiding a full discussion on the allegations within the Assembly.
Claims of Irregularities in Excise Department
Vijayendra further alleged that the Excise Department had become inaccessible to officials without substantial financial inducements. He claimed that postings and transfers were allegedly influenced by large bribes, leading to administrative lapses.
According to him, these alleged practices had resulted in relaxed controls over liquor sales, including permissions in areas traditionally restricted from such activity. The Opposition argued that these measures were being used to boost revenue without sufficient oversight, a charge the government has firmly denied.
Excise Minister Refuses to Step Down
Responding to calls for his resignation, Timmapur said he would remain in office and address the allegations during the ongoing legislative session. He stated that he welcomed a debate in the House and was prepared to offer explanations and clarifications regarding the accusations raised against him.
The minister maintained that he had nothing to hide and insisted that the Assembly was the appropriate forum to examine the claims being circulated.
Political Tensions Continue
With protests planned and debates looming, the issue is likely to remain a focal point of Karnataka’s political discourse in the coming days. While the government has characterized the allegations as politically motivated, the Opposition continues to press for an independent inquiry, setting the stage for further confrontation.