Being targeted because I’m a Dalit: Thimmapur

Announcing that he would resign from his post if evidence was provided on the corruption charges, Excise Minister R.B. Thimmapur, on Friday, said that he was targeted with politically motivated and defamatory allegations because he was a Dalit.

“They (Opposition) are conspiring against me to humiliate me. If evidence is provided, I will resign from my post at this moment,” the Minister said during a discussion in the Legislative Council.

Stating that except CL 4 and CL 7 licences, no other license was being issued, he said, “The BJP government issued 1,404 licences during COVID-19. How much was collected then? The Opposition is basing its attack on the allegations made by (Wine Merchants Association president) Guruswamy. He should reveal how much bribe has been given and to whom.” He also referred to a KDA meeting where an official had accused former Excise Minister Gopalaiah of collecting bribe.

Earlier, the BJP members, levelling multi-crore corruption charges, had demanded his resignation.

Flashing a blue pen drive, the Minister said, “There is evidence of corruption of others in this. I can name them.” Interrupting him, the BJP members urged him to reveal names, but the Minister refused to do so.

Providing details about the reforms that he had brought in his department, Mr. Thimmapur said that the annual renewal of licence had now been made once in five years, and renewal had to be done within 48 hours. Further, he said against an earlier 16 level approval process, it was down to seven now. E-auction had been introduced with reservation to bring transparency.

However, Leader of Opposition Chalavadi Narayanswamy said that there were enough digital evidences and the Lokayukta trapping an Excise official. “There is a monthly card varying from city to city for collecting bribe.”

Soon, a high decibel heated verbal duel commenced between Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge and BJP member N. Ravikumar after the former intervened when the latter was speaking.

While the BJP members entered the Well demanding Mr. Thimmapur’s resignation, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil intervened to say that it was not proper to consider the Lokayukta complainant as evidence since his application for licence came for a facility in residential area that was not permissible.