Bengaluru: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its attack on the Karnataka government following recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids linked to the state’s Excise Department. Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, alleged that the searches had exposed an “organised syndicate” operating within the department and accused the Congress government of institutionalising corruption across multiple departments.
The allegations come in the wake of the ED’s search operations at several locations in Karnataka as part of an ongoing investigation. While the BJP has cited the raids as evidence of large-scale corruption, the Karnataka government has not yet issued an official response to Ashoka’s latest claims.
BJP alleges widespread corruption in Excise Department
Taking to social media, R Ashoka launched a scathing attack on the Congress government, claiming that corruption had become rampant since it assumed office in Karnataka.
He alleged that every government department had become a hub of graft and accused the administration of running what he described as an organised system of bribery within the Excise Department.
Ashoka claimed the ED investigation had unearthed evidence suggesting systematic collection of illegal payments, alleging that influential individuals within the government were aware of the operation.
He described the alleged irregularities as more than isolated instances of corruption, calling them a “systematic robbery” carried out with political patronage.
Claims of cash, gold and secret records
Referring to details that he claimed emerged during the ED investigation, Ashoka alleged that investigators recovered cash and gold worth approximately Rs 13.3 crore from Belagavi Division Additional Commissioner Y.D. Manjunath and his associates.
He further claimed that the ED had seized a “secret book” allegedly containing detailed records of bribe collections, including information on the amount collected, those who allegedly paid the money and where the funds were routed.
According to Ashoka, the alleged records could reveal the scale of corruption within the department if thoroughly investigated.
However, these allegations have not been independently verified, and the ED has not publicly released details confirming the contents of the alleged records.
Allegations over benami bar licences
Ashoka also accused officials of securing bar licences through benami arrangements by allegedly using the names of relatives and close associates.
According to him, this practice enabled officials to gain control over liquor licences while compromising the transparency and integrity of the licensing process.
He alleged that such practices reflected deeper systemic issues within the Excise Department and warranted an independent investigation.
No official response has yet been issued regarding these specific allegations.
BJP seeks answers from the government
The BJP leader also targeted senior leaders of the ruling Congress government, questioning how far the alleged corruption network extended within the administration.
Ashoka raised a series of questions regarding the alleged movement of bribe money and demanded clarity on whether senior political functionaries had any knowledge of the purported transactions.
His remarks also referred to allegations that the funds may have reached influential political figures, although he did not provide evidence to substantiate those claims.
The Karnataka government has not commented on these allegations.
Demand for CBI or judicial probe
Calling for an impartial investigation, Ashoka urged that the matter be handed over either to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or to a judicial commission headed by a High Court judge.
He argued that an independent inquiry would help establish accountability and determine whether the alleged irregularities extended beyond the Excise Department.
The BJP leader also said those found guilty should face strict legal action irrespective of their position.
Karnataka government yet to respond
As of now, the Karnataka government has not issued an official statement responding to Ashoka’s allegations.
The ED investigation is understood to be ongoing, and authorities have not yet publicly disclosed the complete findings of the searches or whether charges have been filed against any public officials in connection with the case.
With political tensions escalating, the issue is expected to remain at the centre of debate in Karnataka, as opposition parties continue to press for greater transparency and accountability.
Conclusion
The latest allegations have added to the political confrontation between the BJP and the Congress in Karnataka. While the BJP has cited the ED raids to allege systemic corruption within the Excise Department, the claims remain part of an ongoing investigation. The findings of the enforcement agencies and any subsequent legal proceedings will determine the course of the case.