Karnataka Liquor Shops To Close On November 20, Find Out Why

The Karnataka government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, is facing mounting pressure as fresh allegations of corruption surface within the Excise Department. This follows the ongoing Valmiki Corporation and MUDA scandal, which has already drawn public scrutiny. Reports suggest that officials within the Excise Department have been soliciting bribes from liquor vendors under the pretext of "Monthly Money," a claim made by the Karnataka Wine Merchant Association.

To protest against these alleged corrupt practices, liquor shop owners have announced plans to shut down operations statewide on November 20. They claim that Excise officials have been collecting monthly fees from vendors, which they say constitutes a systemic corruption problem within the department.

Karunakara Hegde, Vice President of the Karnataka State Liquor Sellers Association, stated, "If the Chief Minister does not heed our demands by November 20, we will shut down all liquor shops in the state. We have already requested a change in the Excise Minister and a merger of the Excise Department with the Finance Department." He expressed frustration over the rampant bribery, noting that officials have demanded significant sums of money for promotions and transfers.

Allegations have surfaced that Excise officials are directly soliciting bribes from liquor vendors, with some reportedly stating, "We have given you this much money, and now we expect this much in return." The situation has raised concerns about the increase in inter-state liquor trafficking and the proliferation of counterfeit alcohol, attributed to the corrupt practices of these officials.

Liquor vendors, frustrated by the lack of accountability, have approached the Raj Bhavan to seek intervention from Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, urging him to take action against the alleged corruption.

Opposition leader R. Ashoka weighed in on the controversy, claiming that thousands of crores have been involved in bribes within the Excise Department. He cited a letter written by the liquor merchants' association to the Governor as evidence of the rampant corruption. "The people of the state need to teach a lesson to this corrupt Congress government," he declared.

In response to the escalating situation, Excise Minister R.B. Thimmapur stated, "I am unaware of any corruption in the department. If anyone has faced harassment, they should come forward. I request a list of officials who have accepted bribes."