Bengaluru: BJP MLA S. R. Vishwanath on Tuesday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party legislators staged a walkout from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly after the government refused to accept their demand for the resignation of Excise Minister RB Timmapur.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Vishwanath said the opposition had repeatedly raised the issue inside the House but received no assurance from the government. “The government is not accepting our demand for the resignation of Excise Minister RB Timmapur. We walked out of the assembly in protest,” he said.
The BJP leaders alleged that the matter warranted immediate action and accountability, accusing the ruling government of shielding the minister despite serious concerns raised by the opposition. According to BJP MLAs, their demand was aimed at ensuring transparency and maintaining the dignity of the Assembly.
The walkout led to disruptions in the House proceedings, reflecting heightened political tension between the ruling party and the opposition. BJP members argued that when issues of ministerial responsibility are raised, they should be addressed through proper discussion rather than being dismissed.
The ruling party, however, has maintained that due process must be followed and has rejected calls for an immediate resignation. Government sources indicated that allegations alone cannot form the basis for forcing a minister to step down without a formal inquiry or established evidence.
Political observers note that such walkouts are a common tool used by opposition parties to draw public attention to issues they believe are being ignored within the legislature. The incident highlights the growing confrontations in the Karnataka Assembly, particularly over questions of accountability and governance.
As the Assembly session continues, it remains to be seen whether the issue will be taken up for further debate or referred to an inquiry, with both sides standing firm on their positions.
