Opposition MLAs begin overnight dharna demanding minister’s resignation – BJP and JD(S) legislators started a sleep‑in protest inside Karnataka’s Vidhana Soudha on Feb 3, 2026, targeting Excise Minister R.B. Thimmapur over alleged corruption in his department [1].
Alleged ₹6,000 crore corruption cited by opposition leader – Leader of Opposition R. Ashok claimed a letter from the Karnataka Wine Merchants’ Association president, a recent Lokayukta police trap, and an audio clip point to ₹6,000 crore misappropriation in the Excise Department, urging Thimmapur to step down [1].
Audio transcript allegedly links minister and son to bribe demand – Ashok read a recording of Excise Joint Commissioner Nagarajappa speaking with lawyer Ramesh, where ₹18 lakh is requested for a new wine store and bribes are said to be payable to Thimmapur and his son Vinay, prompting calls for resignation [1].
Government rejects resignation demand, cites ongoing Lokayukta probe – Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and senior minister K.H. Muniyappa argued that no concrete evidence exists and that the Lokayukta investigation should conclude before any action, labeling the demand premature [1].
Minister defends record, says reforms introduced and officials at fault – R.B. Thimmapur asserted he has implemented transparency reforms, denied personal involvement, claimed an officer was suspended, and suggested vested interests are misusing his name to tarnish his image [1].
Other ministers rally behind Thimmapur, reference past resignations – Ministers Priyank Kharge, Dinesh Gundu Rao and Sharan Prakash Patil defended Thimmapur, noting that previous BJP‑era ministers Nagesh and K.S. Eshwarappa resigned over corruption, while highlighting that past resignations were not automatic [1].