Congress Accuses BJP of Misusing Central Agencies in Karnataka

The ruling Congress in Karnataka has accused the BJP of using central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax Department, and CBI to topple the state government. State Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda alleged that these agencies are being misused to pressurize those arrested in the Valmiki Corporation scam to name senior Congress leaders.

The ruling Congress in Karnataka has leveled serious accusations against the BJP, claiming misuse of central agencies to destabilize the state government. State Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda cited the Valmiki Corporation scam as a case where the Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax Department, and Central Bureau of Investigation are being used to target opposition leaders.

Addressing the media, Gowda alleged that the Centre aims to bring down the Karnataka government, similar to its actions in states like Jharkhand, Delhi, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and West Bengal. "We have definite information and will share it with you. Those arrested are being pressured to name senior Congress leaders," he stated.

The Minister asserted that the ED's probe in the alleged irregularities was aimed at toppling the Congress government and threatened legal and public protests to safeguard democracy. He criticized the ED's selective investigation, noting a 400% increase in cases mostly targeting opposition. The ED recently arrested former Minister B Nagendra and recovered incriminating documents alleging fund diversion.

(With inputs from agencies.)