ED search at Karnataka home minister’s institutions sparks political debate | Bengaluru News
Times News NetworkBengaluru: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) searches at educational establishments connected to home minister G Parameshwara in Tumakuru and Bengaluru on Wednesday triggered a political slugfest, with Congress and BJP functionaries trading barbs at each other.Karnataka BJP leaders hinted at a possible connection between the ED raids and alleged gold smuggling by Sandalwood actor Ranya Rao, speculating that illicit funds from this operation might have been channelled into the Siddartha Education Society belonging to Parameshwara. Chief minister Siddaramaiah alleged that the BJP-led central govt was targeting Dalit leaders.R Ashoka, opposition leader (BJP), said: “There were reports that Ranya Rao distributed smuggled gold to a few key persons. The ED officials may have gathered information about the illegal money invested in the education group. More details will come out after investigation.”This statement prompted strong responses from Congress functionaries, including general secretary for Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala. “This raid is a frustrated reaction of BJP leaders and Narendra Modi govt after the Karnataka govt distributed ownership rights to 1 lakh SC/ST families at Hospet on Tuesday,” Surjewala said. Surjewala posted on ‘X’: “Parameshwara is one of the tallest SC leaders. This constant assault on the Constitution and leaders of SC/ST and OBC communities across India has become a habitual pattern. The revenge against Parameshwara is part of this sinister design.”Siddaramaiah remained non-committal, stating he’s unaware of the raids. “I don’t know and I will check and react,” he said. Meanwhile, DCM Shivakumar said: “Parameshwara is a humble, simple man and in no way, he is involved in any type of case.”On Wednesday, officials raided Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education, Siddhartha Institute of Technology and Siddhartha Medical College in Tumakuru. Sources indicated 25 officials in seven vehicles visited these locations. While students remained undisturbed, media access was restricted. The operations continued till 8pm and were expected to resume Thursday. Times News NetworkBengaluru: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) searches at educational establishments connected to home minister G Parameshwara in Tumakuru and Bengaluru on Wednesday triggered a political slugfest, with Congress and BJP functionaries trading barbs at each other.Karnataka BJP leaders hinted at a possible connection between the ED raids and alleged gold smuggling by Sandalwood actor Ranya Rao, speculating that illicit funds from this operation might have been channelled into the Siddartha Education Society belonging to Parameshwara. Chief minister Siddaramaiah alleged that the BJP-led central govt was targeting Dalit leaders.R Ashoka, opposition leader (BJP), said: “There were reports that Ranya Rao distributed smuggled gold to a few key persons. The ED officials may have gathered information about the illegal money invested in the education group. More details will come out after investigation.”This statement prompted strong responses from Congress functionaries, including general secretary for Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala. “This raid is a frustrated reaction of BJP leaders and Narendra Modi govt after the Karnataka govt distributed ownership rights to 1 lakh SC/ST families at Hospet on Tuesday,” Surjewala said. Surjewala posted on ‘X’: “Parameshwara is one of the tallest SC leaders. This constant assault on the Constitution and leaders of SC/ST and OBC communities across India has become a habitual pattern. The revenge against Parameshwara is part of this sinister design.”Siddaramaiah remained non-committal, stating he’s unaware of the raids. “I don’t know and I will check and react,” he said. Meanwhile, DCM Shivakumar said: “Parameshwara is a humble, simple man and in no way, he is involved in any type of case.”On Wednesday, officials raided Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education, Siddhartha Institute of Technology and Siddhartha Medical College in Tumakuru. Sources indicated 25 officials in seven vehicles visited these locations. While students remained undisturbed, media access was restricted. The operations continued till 8pm and were expected to resume Thursday.
