Karnataka Minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge criticized the Enforcement Directorate (ED), referring to it as an “Enslaved Directorate” and accusing it of being a “helpless puppet” of the BJP government. The remarks came amidst allegations against Chief Minister Siddaramiah in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case.
Kharge took to X (formerly Twitter), posting:
“The Enforcement Directorate has become an Enslaved Directorate. They are nothing but hapless and helpless puppets of the BJP Government. ED’s latest ‘leaked’ fabricated report against CM Siddaramiah in the MUDA case yet again exposes the BJP’s misuse of central agencies as political tools.”
He further alleged that the ED leaked its report to influence ongoing judicial proceedings:
“The ED, acting without jurisdiction, has deliberately leaked a report meant for the Lokayukta to the media, which is nothing but a disgraceful attempt to prejudice the mind of the Court which is hearing the CM’s petition today.”
Kharge also questioned the selective release of information, stating:
“How come BJP4Karnataka State President’s money laundering case details aren’t out in the public?”
Siddaramiah’s Response
Chief Minister Siddaramiah accused the ED of acting with “political malice” and attempting to influence the court. He alleged that the ED’s actions, including a letter sent to the Lokayukta just before a High Court hearing, were designed to bias judicial proceedings.
In a post on X, Siddaramiah wrote:
“The day before our petition came up for hearing in the High Court, ED had written a letter to the Lokayukta with the intention of influencing the court.”
He criticized the ED’s timing and leaking of the letter to the media, calling it a politically motivated move.
“Writing to the Lokayukta and leaking it to the media has political malice behind it. Regarding this issue, our petition is coming up for hearing in the High Court tomorrow. Behind the media publicity a day before this is a malicious political move to influence the court and prejudice the court,” Siddaramiah added.
Background on the MUDA Case
The ED had recently communicated with the Karnataka Lokayukta, alleging that MUDA had illegally allotted 1,095 sites through benami and other transactions. Among these, the allotment of a site to CM Siddaramiah’s wife was deemed illegal by the agency.
Cabinet Reshuffle Speculations
When asked about a potential cabinet reshuffle, Siddaramiah dismissed the reports:
“Did I say that the ministerial council will be reshuffled? You have imagined and made news for yourself. How about asking me for an answer now? Even the high command has not given an instruction in this regard.”