Party workers began the demonstration from the BJP’s district office and proceeded to the Deputy Commissioner’s office, chanting slogans against the minister while simultaneously collecting cash donations from the public, which they said would be presented to Gowda as a “respectful” offering.
Siddesh Nagendra, the BJP’s district president, told the gathered protesters that the party would hand over whatever amount was raised to the minister, adding that if the sum proved insufficient, volunteers would travel to villages across the district to gather additional contributions.
Nagendra accused Gowda of openly advocating bribery by urging people to give money to officials, and asserted that the minister should take moral responsibility for his remarks by resigning; he further warned that, failing a voluntary exit, the governor should be asked to dismiss Gowda from the cabinet.
Gowda’s statement, which suggested that offering money to officials could be done “respectfully,” sparked criticism from the BJP, which framed the comment as an endorsement of corruption and used the protest to amplify its demand for accountability within the state government.
The protest underscores growing political pressure on the Excise Ministry, with the BJP signalling that it will continue to mobilise public sentiment and seek administrative action if the minister does not step down.