RB Thimmapur Denies Link to Viral Audio, Says He Remains Loyal to Congress Despite Missing Cabinet Berth

Bengaluru: Mudhol MLA R.B. Thimmapur on Wednesday firmly denied any association with a viral audio clip circulating on social media, asserting that he had neither spoken in the recording nor had any connection with it. The senior Congress leader urged people not to unnecessarily drag his name into the controversy and reiterated his commitment to party discipline despite being overlooked for a ministerial berth in the newly expanded Karnataka Cabinet.

Speaking to reporters in Davanagere, Thimmapur said the contents of the viral audio had nothing to do with him. “I have not spoken anything in the audio circulating on social media. As a disciplined soldier of the Congress party, my name should not be unnecessarily dragged into such controversies. I have no connection whatsoever with that audio. If there are any questions about it, they should be directed to those who are actually speaking in the recording,” he said.

Thimmapur, however, did not hide his disappointment over being denied a place in the state Cabinet. He said it would have been better if the party leadership had informed him in advance about the decision.

“I am naturally disappointed that I was not included in the Cabinet. The party should have told me beforehand if I was not being considered for a ministerial position. Had I been informed earlier, the disappointment would have been much less,” he remarked.

The Congress MLA also suggested that misinformation about him might have reached the party high command, which could have influenced the decision. “Someone may have conveyed incorrect information about me to the high command. That could be one of the reasons why I missed out on a ministerial berth,” he said.

Despite his disappointment, Thimmapur ruled out any move that could harm the party. Stressing that the Congress remained his priority, he said he would fully respect the decisions of the leadership.

“I will never do anything that weakens the party. If senior leader Siddaramaiah accepts the decision of the high command, then who am I to question it? For me, the party comes first and the ministerial post comes later. It is only natural to feel disappointed, but that does not mean we should resign or rebel,” he said.

Expressing confidence in Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s leadership, Thimmapur said the new Chief Minister would gradually address concerns within the party.

Recalling his previous tenure as Excise Minister, he said he had significantly increased the department’s revenue and implemented several development initiatives. “I may have lost out because I was not part of the power game, but I remain committed to serving the party and the people,” he added.