Controversy erupts over free liquor at BJP MP's event in Karnataka
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A recent thanksgiving event organized by supporters of Karnataka BJP MP and former minister K Sudhakar has sparked political controversy due to the free and public distribution of liquor.
The event, held to celebrate Sudhakar's victory in the recent general election, saw crate after crate of liquor bottles being handed out, with long queues of men waiting for their turn.
Police were present to provide security, adding to the controversy.
Sudhakar, who won the Chikkballapur seat by defeating Congress's MS Raksha Ramaiah with a margin of over 1.6 lakh votes, is now at the center of criticism. Deputy Chief Minister and Congress leader DK Shivakumar has called for BJP national president JP Nadda to issue a clarification, stating, "This is the culture of the BJP."
Shivakumar also hinted at potential action under the state excise policy, pending the party's response.
In his defense, Sudhakar claimed he was unaware if the liquor was distributed by the event organizers or if attendees brought their own. He emphasized his lack of involvement, saying, "In my 25 years in politics, I have never distributed alcohol during elections or at any event. This has brought me pain." He further stated that serving alcohol at such events is "an offence and a blunder" and mentioned that he had spoken to the organizers about it.
Visual evidence from the event showed significant crowds rushing to collect liquor bottles. A letter from Sudhakar to the local police ahead of the event, requesting police deployment and mentioning that food and liquor would be served, has raised questions about why the event was permitted and why police were deployed.
Responding to the controversy, former minister and BJP MLA CN Ashwath Narayan said, "We can't blame anybody unless this is properly looked into. If the government feels whatever has happened is wrong, let them take action."