BJP's R. Ashoka alleges ₹92 crore foreign funds flowing to 'urban Naxals' in Karnataka
Synopsis
BJP's R. Ashoka has alleged that ₹92 crore from a foreign Christian organisation flowed into Bengaluru shell companies — purportedly to fund 'urban Naxals' — citing an ED probe. He has simultaneously demanded Karnataka's Home Minister and Chief Minister explain why central agencies are doing the state's security job, and called for Gadag's drought declaration before 10 October.
Key Takeaways
Ashoka alleged on 21 September that Karnataka is becoming a hub for 'urban Naxals' backed by foreign funds.
Ashoka claimed an American Christian organisation allegedly transferred ₹92 crore to two shell companies in Bengaluru , per purported ED findings.
He targeted Home Minister Priyank Kharge and Chief Minister D.K.
Shivakumar , questioning the state government's inaction.
Ashoka criticised the Congress for opposing proposed FCRA amendments meant to curb foreign funding of extremist activities.
Gadag taluk has recorded a 49% rainfall deficit; Ashoka demanded immediate drought declaration and ₹50,000 per acre compensation for farmers.
Senior Congress MLA H.K.
Patil has warned he will resign if Gadag taluk is not declared drought-hit by 10 October .
BJP senior leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashoka, on Monday, 21 September, alleged that Karnataka is becoming a 'favourite place' for left-wing extremists, and accused foreign entities of channelling funds linked to Naxal activities into the state. Ashoka claimed that an American Christian organisation had allegedly transferred ₹92 crore to two shell companies in Bengaluru, with findings purportedly emerging from an Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation.
Key Allegations by BJP
Posting on social media platform X, Ashoka alleged that foreign forces were using Bengaluru as a base to spread left-wing extremism. He claimed that activities of so-called 'urban Naxals' had increased in Karnataka after the Congress government came to power. Ashoka further alleged that central investigating agencies such as the ED were doing work that should have been handled by the state's own Home Department.
'Even though crores of rupees are allegedly flowing from abroad and reaching Naxals and terrorists, if the Home Department is unaware of it, does it mean that urban Naxals are behind them and providing protection?' Ashoka said.
Attack on Home Minister and Chief Minister
Ashoka directly targeted Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge, questioning the state government's handling of the alleged extremist activities. He also questioned whether the state government was adopting a lenient approach because of alleged links between those involved and Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Ashoka alleged that the Congress high command had turned Karnataka into an 'ATM' and was allowing the state to become a safe haven for 'urban Naxals'.
Addressing Shivakumar directly, Ashoka said Bengaluru — which the state promotes under its 'Brand Bengaluru' initiative — risked gaining a damaging new reputation because of alleged extremist activities. He also flagged civic issues in the city and urged the Chief Minister to ensure Bengaluru's safety.
FCRA Amendment Row
Ashoka criticised the Congress for opposing the Centre's proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), arguing that such amendments were designed to prevent foreign funds from being used to support extremist activities. He claimed the party's resistance to the amendments revealed a conflict of interest, though the Congress government has not formally responded to these specific charges.
Gadag Drought Demand
Separately, Ashoka accused the Congress government of adopting an anti-farmer stance. He alleged that Gadag taluk had recorded a 49% rainfall deficit, leaving farmers facing significant crop losses, yet the government had failed to declare it drought-hit. He noted that senior Congress MLA and former minister H.K. Patil had himself warned he would resign if Gadag taluk was not declared drought-hit by 10 October. Ashoka demanded that all drought-affected taluks — including Gadag — be declared drought-hit immediately, and called for ₹50,000 per acre compensation for affected farmers.
This comes amid broader BJP efforts to corner the Karnataka government on multiple fronts ahead of upcoming political cycles, with the party raising simultaneous concerns on security, governance, and agrarian distress.
Point of View
Made on social media rather than in a formal legislative session, are squarely political — timed to pressure the Congress government on security credibility ahead of upcoming electoral cycles. The ₹92 crore figure is attributed to an ongoing ED investigation, not a concluded charge sheet, which means it carries significant caveats. Notably, the BJP's simultaneous pivot to Gadag's drought crisis reveals the party's broader strategy: tie security failures to agrarian neglect to build a composite anti-incumbency narrative. The Congress government's silence on the specific foreign-funding allegations — rather than a direct rebuttal — is itself a political signal worth watching.
NationPress
21 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did BJP's R. Ashoka allege about foreign funds and 'urban Naxals' in Karnataka?
R. Ashoka alleged that an American Christian organisation had transferred ₹92 crore to two shell companies in Bengaluru, purportedly to fund left-wing extremist activities, citing what he described as findings from an Enforcement Directorate investigation. He claimed such activities had intensified after the Congress government came to power in Karnataka.
What is the significance of the Enforcement Directorate probe cited by Ashoka?
The ED probe cited by Ashoka is reportedly ongoing and has not yet resulted in a formal charge sheet or conviction. Ashoka used the purported findings to argue that central agencies were doing work that the state's Home Department should be handling — a pointed jab at Home Minister Priyank Kharge.
Why is BJP attacking the Karnataka government over the FCRA amendments?
Ashoka alleged that the Congress party's opposition to proposed FCRA amendments reflects a desire to keep the door open for foreign funds that could benefit aligned organisations. The FCRA governs foreign contributions to Indian entities, and the Centre has sought stricter oversight provisions that the Congress has reportedly opposed.
What is the Gadag drought controversy about?
Gadag taluk has recorded a 49% rainfall deficit, according to Ashoka, leaving farmers facing crop losses. He demanded the state government declare it drought-hit immediately and provide ₹50,000 per acre in compensation. Senior Congress MLA H.K. Patil has also threatened to resign if the declaration is not made by 10 October.
How has the Karnataka government responded to these allegations?
The Karnataka government had not formally responded to Ashoka's specific allegations about foreign funding or urban Naxal activities as of the time of reporting. The charges were made via a social media post and a press address, and are attributed solely to Ashoka and the BJP at this stage.
