BENALURU, Nov 5: Karnataka BJP President Vijayendra Yediyurappa on Tuesday unveiled a staggering Rs700 crore liquor scam allegedly orchestrated under the Congress-led government of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Vijayendra, taking to X, accused the ruling party of fostering a culture of corruption that has become a way of life. The Karnataka Wine Merchants Association has alleged that Excise Minister RB Thimmapur is at the centre of a massive extortion racket, purportedly collecting Rs 180 crore annually in “hafta” from liquor outlets. This operation is being justified under the guise of “election purposes,” raising serious questions about the ethical conduct of the current government. Details of the alleged bribery scheme paint a grim picture of systematic corruption. Vijayendra highlighted that there exists a comprehensive rate card for bribes, with liquor vendors paying between Rs 30 to Rs 70 lakh just to secure a CL7 bar license. Furthermore, nearly 1,000 illegal licenses have reportedly been issued, contributing to what has been described as an “industrial-scale bribe list.” In a stark contrast, Siddaramaiah previously condemned the former BJP government as a “40% Sarkara” based on allegations of corruption. However, he has remained conspicuously silent regarding the Karnataka Wine Merchants Association’s claim of Rs 500 crore per year corruption against his own minister. Vijayendra has called for immediate action, urging Siddaramaiah to demonstrate political integrity by dismissing Minister Thimmapur and initiating a Lokayukta probe. He expressed scepticism about Siddaramaiah’s willingness to act, citing his own alleged involvement in the MUDA scam, where he has been named as Accused No. 1. “The people of Karnataka are suffering under this Congress brand of governance, where corruption is not merely addressed but curated. The silence and shamelessness displayed by the Karnataka Congress government have become their defining features,” Vijayendra stated. As the allegations continue to unfold, the demand for accountability and transparency within the Karnataka government grows louder, with citizens calling for a thorough investigation into the alleged corruption.
(UNI)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
