New Delhi, Feb 04 : Legislators from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular) sustained their round the clock protest at the Vidhana Soudha on Wednesday, pressing for the resignation of Excise Minister R.B. Thimmapur over an alleged scam in the department.
The opposition members camped inside the Assembly through the night, turning the premises into a protest site. Several senior leaders, including BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra and Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka, were seen taking a morning walk within the complex before resuming the demonstration.
Allegations of multi-crore irregularities
The agitation was formally announced at a joint press conference in Bengaluru by Ashoka, Vijayendra, and JD(S) floor leader C.B. Suresh Babu. Holding posters inside the House, the lawmakers accused the Excise Department of involvement in a purported Rs 6,000-crore irregularity and called for immediate accountability.
Images and videos showing legislators resting on the Assembly floor circulated widely online. After gathering in the lounge to discuss strategy, the leaders returned to the building’s entrance steps, raising slogans and reiterating their demand for the minister’s exit.
Songs, slogans mark unusual sit-in
The protest featured devotional singing as BJP MLA Channabasappa led a hymn joined by several party colleagues, including Ashoka, Vijayendra, and Deputy Leader of Opposition Arvind Bellad.
Ashoka claimed that liquor trade associations themselves had flagged financial misconduct and alleged large-scale collections tied to postings within the department. He also referred to an audio clip purportedly suggesting payments to senior officials and noted that a complaint had been lodged with the Lokayukta.
The minister has sought evidence for the accusations, while the ruling government has rejected the charges. Opposition leaders, however, have vowed to continue their dharna until Thimmapur steps down, signalling that the standoff in the Assembly may persist.