Karnataka Assembly Seeks Minister's Resignation Amid Rs 6,000 Crore Excise Scam Allegations
The Karnataka Legislative Assembly witnessed significant turmoil on Wednesday as opposition parties, including the BJP and JD(S), staged vehement protests demanding the immediate resignation of Excise Minister R B Timmapur. The uproar centered on allegations of a massive Rs 6,000-crore scam involving liquor licences and the transfer of excise officials, with claims of systemic corruption shaking the state's political landscape.
Opposition Presents Audio Evidence and Lokayukta Complaints
Leader of Opposition R Ashoka spearheaded the accusations, asserting that bribes were being systematically collected for issuing liquor licences and facilitating postings within the excise department. He cited multiple sources of evidence, including allegations from the Wine Merchants' Association, several audio recordings, and formal complaints lodged with the Lokayukta. Ashoka revealed that he had submitted three pen drives containing audio evidence, along with statements from an excise deputy commissioner that allegedly point to commissions reaching the minister's office.
Sabarimala Devaswom Official Arrested in Rs 36.24 Lakh Ghee Misappropriation Case
In a separate development, the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) arrested K R Sunilkumar Potty, a Devaswom official, on Tuesday in connection with the alleged misappropriation of Rs 36.24 lakh. The funds were collected from the sale of 'Adiya Sishtam ghee' at the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple during the 2025 mandala-makaravilakku season.
Vigilance Probe Uncovers Stock Manipulation
Vigilance officials disclosed that employees assigned to sell the ghee packets failed to remit the full amount to the authorities and manipulated stock records, resulting in substantial financial losses to the Travancore Devaswom Board. This arrest followed a January 13 Kerala High Court order that directed a comprehensive vigilance probe and the formation of a special investigation team to address the irregularities in the temple's financial management.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Accuses Centre of Ignoring State in Union Budget
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin launched a sharp critique against the BJP-led Central government on Wednesday, accusing it of deliberately ignoring Tamil Nadu in the recent Union Budget. Speaking at a government function in Villupuram, Stalin highlighted that despite Assembly elections due by April, the Centre did not even perform its customary 'election stunt' of announcing special allocations for poll-bound states.
Stalin Highlights Historical Neglect and Economic Disparities
Stalin emphasized that the Budget had 'nothing for Tamil Nadu', pointing out that for the past eleven years, no special projects have been announced for the state. He further argued that allocations remain disproportionately low despite Tamil Nadu being India's second-largest economy, underscoring a pattern of neglect that he claims undermines the state's developmental aspirations.
