Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and senior Congress leader DK Shivakumar on Saturday condemned the fresh summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) regarding his financial contributions to National Herald and Young India.
Speaking to reporters at his residence in Sadashivanagar, Shivakumar accused the central agencies of engaging in political harassment aimed at supporters of the Gandhi family.
Condemnation and Legal Challenge
Shivakumar confirmed that he and his brother, Congress leader DK Suresh, have been instructed by the Delhi Police to provide information by December 19. He expressed shock that a new set of notices were issued after they had already cooperated with previous investigations.
“ED has issued summons for donating to National Herald and Young India. ED is torturing us. It is not correct, and I condemn it,” Shivakumar stated.
He further questioned the continuous legal scrutiny, especially after the ED had already filed a chargesheet in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case.
“We have been cooperating with the investigation from the beginning, and there is nothing to hide… I don’t understand why ED has chargesheeted us. There was no need to register a police complaint in this case. We will fight this legally in the court of law,” he asserted.
Allegations of Political Harassment
The Deputy CM alleged that the only goal behind the repeated summons and new cases is to pressure and “torture” Congress leaders and create political confusion.
“We are paying our taxes, and we are free to give our money to anyone we want… The only objective seems to be to torture supporters of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and create confusion,” Shivakumar said.
He clarified that his donations from his trusts to National Herald and Young India were made in his capacity as a Congressman to support the party’s institutions when they were facing financial difficulties. He noted that many other people had also helped the organizations during that time.
The notices reportedly seek detailed financial and transactional records regarding the donations made to Young Indian, including the source of the funds and communication records. Shivakumar confirmed that he and his team are currently reviewing the notice and will take the necessary legal steps.