Bengaluru: Serious allegations have surfaced regarding demands for crores of rupees in bribes to issue CL-7 licenses in the State Excise Department. Corroborating these claims, the State BJP unit has put the government on the spot by releasing an 'Audio Recording' of a conversation allegedly involving Minister R.B. Thimmapur, his son, and departmental officials.
Serious Allegations by BJP Leaders:
During a press conference held at the party office, Leader of the Opposition (Assembly) R. Ashoka and Leader of the Opposition (Council) Chalavadi Narayanaswamy launched a scathing attack on the government:
Fixed Bribery Rates: They alleged that a bribe of ₹1.5 crore is being demanded for every CL-7 license. A total of ₹950 crore in kickbacks has allegedly been collected from 750 such licenses.
Microbrewery Extortion: It was revealed that ₹2.50 crore was allegedly extorted from each of the 550 microbreweries in the state.
Funds for Elections: R. Ashoka lashed out, claiming that just as money from the Valmiki scam was used for the Ballari election, the loot from the Excise Department is being funneled to fund elections in Maharashtra and Bihar.
What is in the Audio?
In the released audio, an Excise DC is purportedly heard explaining exactly how much monthly bribe money needs to be sent to the Minister and how license approvals are intentionally delayed if the money is not paid. BJP leaders mocked the government, stating that an official admitting that "bribe money must pass through four tables" is ultimate proof of the administration's corruption.
Demand for Resignation:
"Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, do you need more evidence than this? Dismiss Minister Thimmapur from the cabinet immediately," demanded R. Ashoka. Chalavadi Narayanaswamy taunted the CM, saying, "The CM asked us to show a 'black spot' on his governance; now, instead of a spot, the entire government has become a 'black crow' of corruption."
"This is not a government of Gandhians; it is a government of intoxicants. The 85% commission from the Excise Department is going directly to the CM." — R. Ashoka, Leader of the Opposition