Bengaluru, Feb 4 (AHN) Responding to allegations by opposition parties over the alleged Rs 6,000-crore excise scam and their day-and-night protest inside the Vidhana Soudha demanding his resignation, Karnataka Excise Minister R. B. Thimmapur stated that he would not resign under any circumstances.

Speaking to the media in Bengaluru on Wednesday, Minister Thimmapur said, "On what basis, and based on whose statements, is the Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka making allegations against me? I don't know why the opposition leaders have lost their sleep."

"Let the opposition parties continue their politics. I have brought reforms while discharging my responsibilities. After I took charge of the Excise Ministry, I introduced all possible reforms. It is important to know the background of the complainant who has lodged a complaint against me with the Karnataka Lokayukta," he stated.

He further alleged that the opposition had launched the protest with an ulterior motive and said they would not succeed in their plans.

"The Leader of the Opposition, Ashoka, has lost his way. Before making allegations based on the statements of certain individuals, it would be better for him to understand their background," Thimmapur said.

Meanwhile, BJP and JD(S) legislators have decided to intensify the agitation, seeking Minister Thimmapur's resignation. The proceedings in the House are most likely to be disrupted.

The BJP-JD(S) legislators camped overnight at the Vidhana Soudha and spent the night inside the Assembly.

Some leaders, including BJP state President B.Y. Vijayendra and Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka, went for a morning walk within the premises.

Earlier, LoP R. Ashoka, BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, and JD(S) floor leader C.B. Suresh Babu addressed a joint press conference in Bengaluru and announced the commencement of the protest on Tuesday night.

Photos and videos of BJP and JD(S) leaders sleeping on the floor went viral on social media.

Earlier, while addressing the media, Ashoka had claimed that, for the first time in Karnataka's history, liquor associations themselves have alleged a Rs 6,000 crore scam in the Excise Department.

He further alleged that the Excise Minister was collecting between Rs 250 crore and Rs 300 crore every month.

Ashoka also referred to an audio recording in which a Deputy Commissioner allegedly stated that a "cut" had to be paid to ministers, and pointed out that a complaint had been filed against the minister with the Lokayukta.

"Despite all this, the minister is asking for proof, and the entire government, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who also holds the finance portfolio, is backing him. This indicates that a huge amount of money is reaching the Congress high command. For elections, this massive Rs 6,000 crore collection has taken place. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stated that Rs 700 crore from Karnataka was sent for the Maharashtra elections," Ashoka alleged.