Opposition leaders in Bengaluru made serious allegations against the Karnataka government on Sunday. R Ashoka and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, both senior BJP functionaries in the legislative assembly and council, claimed a massive Rs 3,000 crore scam exists within the excise department.
Lokayukta Raid and Audio Clip Evidence
While addressing reporters, Ashoka pointed to a recent Lokayukta raid as evidence of corruption. He also released an audio clip during the press conference. The clip purportedly features a stakeholder discussing the importance of "Vitamin M" for securing a microbrewery licence without administrative hurdles.
Based on this audio evidence, Ashoka alleged that bribes of Rs 2.5 crore were being demanded for each microbrewery licence. He stated clearly, "When a Rs 25 lakh bribe was being paid, the Lokayukta SP caught them red-handed."
Detailed Breakdown of Alleged Scam
The BJP leaders provided specific numbers to support their claims. They said the total value of the alleged scam actually stands at Rs 3,567 crore when all components are considered.
- 750 CL-7 licences were issued after collecting bribes ranging from Rs 1.2 crore to Rs 1.5 crore each, amounting to Rs 1,125 crore in total.
- 650 CL-2 licences involved bribes of Rs 1.5 crore each, totalling Rs 975 crore.
- 92 CL-9 licences were allegedly issued at Rs 1 crore each.
- Microbreweries faced charges of Rs 2.5 crore each for 550 licences, totalling Rs 1,375 crore.
Direct Accusations Against Government
Ashoka emphasized that the excise department functions under the finance department, making the chief minister directly responsible for its operations. He issued a strong ultimatum, saying, "If excise minister RB Timmapur does not resign, we will take it to mean the CM is involved in the scam."
The opposition leaders did not stop at the excise allegations. They raised additional concerns about what they called "rogue behaviour in jails" and the prevalence of drug use in Karnataka. They claimed drug use was as high as 12% among schoolchildren in the state.
Broader Governance Issues
Ashoka referenced a recent review meeting where he said, "The CM pulled up police in yesterday's review meeting for having no shame." He connected this to Maharashtra police arresting people in Karnataka, suggesting broader law and order problems.
Narayanaswamy added another dimension to the allegations. He claimed his party possessed documents related to a Rs 1,716-crore tender awarded to a single firm for a 15-year period. He indicated that legal action was being considered regarding this matter.
The BJP leaders accused the government of collecting bribes systematically to renew existing liquor licences and issue new permits. Their allegations follow a pattern of opposition scrutiny on governance issues in Karnataka, with the excise department now facing particularly serious corruption claims.
