Karnataka Minister Defends Excise Minister Amidst BJP's Resignation Demands

Karnataka's Electronics Minister Priyank Kharge criticized the BJP for demanding Excise Minister RB Timmapur's resignation without evidence. Kharge challenged the opposition to present proof, asserting Timmapur's willingness to resign if implicated. The BJP's protest inside Vidhana Soudha claims corruption, but Kharge maintains that allegations lack substantiation.

Karnataka's Minister for Electronics, Priyank Kharge, on Wednesday, lambasted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for demanding the resignation of Excise Minister RB Timmapur without presenting any credible evidence. Describing the opposition's actions as 'playing to the gallery,' Kharge defended Timmapur and urged the BJP to produce evidence if they want him to step down.

'For over ten days, the BJP has raised this issue in both the council and assembly. However, they have yet to detail how and when this supposed incident occurred. They demand Timmapur's resignation despite him expressing willingness to resign if presented with a single piece of evidence,' Kharge told reporters.

The BJP staged an overnight protest at the Vidhana Soudha, led by the Karnataka Leader of Opposition R Ashoka, accusing the Congress government of shielding Timmapur amidst alleged excise department corruption. Despite their assertions, the protestors have yet to deliver tangible proof of any wrongdoing.

(With inputs from agencies.)