On 21 September 2026, Karnataka Excise Minister KM Shivalinge Gowda—also the Hassan district in‑charge—addressed a Praja Seva Andolana gathering in Sakleshpur, stating, "Whatever you want to offer, you can do so respectfully…" and adding that officials must be respected but should not take money forcibly.
Some audience members demanded a clarification, with one voice asking, "Why should we even give it respectfully?" Gowda responded, "I didn't ask you to give money. I asked you to give respect."
BJP spokesperson R Ashok slammed the Congress, calling the minister’s words an invitation to bribe. BJP MLA Bharat Shetty added, "Minister is telling people how a bribe should be given respectfully."
Gowda posted a video on his social media, asserting, "I never asked people to give a bribe; I said to respect officers who do their work," and criticized the BJP for editing the clip. Activist Dinesh Kalahalli also filed a formal complaint with Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot over the remarks.
Governor Gehlot is slated to review the complaint, while the BJP is demanding a probe into the minister’s statements.