Bengaluru: The Karnataka Legislative Assembly witnessed high political drama on Tuesday as Opposition members from the BJP and the JD(S) launched an overnight sit-in protest inside the House, demanding the resignation of Excise Minister R.B. Thimmapur over alleged bribery and corruption in the Excise Department.
The protest followed the Minister’s response to a discussion held under Rule 69 in the Assembly. Replying to the debate, Thimmapur categorically rejected calls for his resignation, stating that he had committed no wrongdoing and that the question of stepping down did not arise.
His remarks triggered sharp reactions from the Opposition. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok accused the Excise Department of functioning through a commission-driven system and alleged widespread corruption. He demanded that the government immediately seek Thimmapur’s resignation if it had any sense of accountability, dignity, or moral responsibility.
Amid the heated exchanges, Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader completed the day’s proceedings and adjourned the House till February 4. Soon after the adjournment, BJP and JD(S) legislators entered the well of the House and began an overnight dharna and satyagraha.
The protesting members raised slogans against the State Government, the Excise Minister, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, reiterating their demand for Thimmapur’s immediate resignation.
The overnight protest was led by senior Opposition figures, including Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok, Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad, former Home Minister Araga Jnanendra, senior BJP leader Suresh Kumar, and JD(S) leader Suresh Babu, among others.
The protest is expected to further escalate political tensions when the Assembly reconvenes.
Also Read: ‘I Have Done No Wrong’: Excise Minister R.B. Thimmapur Rejects Resignation Calls in Assembly
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: ಅಬಕಾರಿ ಲಂಚ ಆರೋಪ ಕೇಸ್: ಸಚಿವ ತಿಮ್ಮಾಪುರ ರಾಜೀನಾಮೆ ಆಗ್ರಹಿಸಿ ಬಿಜೆಪಿ–ಜೆಡಿಎಸ್ ಅಹೋರಾತ್ರಿ ಧರಣಿ
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