Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials on Tuesday conducted a raid at the residence of former Rajasthan minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas in Jaipur’s Civil Lines area, triggering political ripples in the state capital.
Khachariyawas, who previously held the Transport portfolio in the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government, responded to the raid by stating he is cooperating fully with the investigation and has nothing to hide.
“Today, they have come here to conduct searches and raids; they can do it. I am going to cooperate with them. ED is doing its work, and I will do my work. I believe the BJP should not do politics using the ED. Pratap Singh Khachariyawas is not scared of anyone. I was not given any notice from the ED. ED conducted raids here directly,” he said.
Although no official reason has been disclosed yet for the ED action, the development led to a stir in Jaipur. As news of the raid spread, supporters of Khachariyawas gathered outside his home and raised slogans against the central government.
The Congress leader stressed his confidence in facing the investigation and took aim at the ruling party at the Centre.
“Officials are not at fault; they have to work as per the directions of the government. According to the Constitution, they have the right to conduct searches, and we will fully cooperate with them. They can search everything because we are not afraid of anyone. Whoever speaks against them (BJP), ED is sent to their house.”
Khachariyawas also issued a pointed warning to the BJP, implying that the Congress, if returned to power, would reciprocate.
“Governments keep changing, and time will change. Imagine what will happen to the BJP when Rahul Gandhi comes to power. You (BJP) have started these proceedings; we will also do the same against the people of BJP. They can do as many searches as they want; we are not scared. We will cooperate with the officers…”
The ED’s action comes amidst rising political tension in the state following the recent change in government and continuing scrutiny of former Congress leaders and ministers.