Is BJP Linking ED Raids on K'taka Home Minister to Gold Smuggling Case Involving Ranya Rao?

Bengaluru, May 21 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has connected the recent raids on educational institutions owned by Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara to a gold smuggling investigation involving Kannada actress Ranya Rao.

During a press briefing, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka criticized the Congress-led government for its shortcomings over the past two years.

Responding to inquiries, Ashoka indicated that the Siddhartha Educational Institutions are under scrutiny due to the ongoing gold smuggling investigation.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is a governmental agency conducting investigations, and evidence suggests that gold was transported here and distributed among various individuals. They might have uncovered information regarding gold smuggling funds being funneled into the Siddhartha Educational institutions, Ashoka stated.

“It’s essential to take action against everyone involved. Congress leaders seem untroubled even amid scandals like the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) and Valmiki Corporation. Those culpable must face justice,” he urged.

He insisted that the investigation should persist, be thorough, and ensure that all involved parties are penalized.

The ED conducted raids on Parameshwara's educational institutions on Wednesday morning. In response, the Congress criticized the BJP-led government at the Centre, labeling it as a sign of desperation.

National General Secretary and Karnataka In-Charge Randeep Singh Surjewala expressed on social media platform X that the ED's actions against Parameshwara, a prominent SC leader, reveal the BJP's frustration following the allocation of ownership rights to 100,000 SC-ST families on May 20 in Hospet.

He further asserted that the ongoing assault on the Constitution and leaders from SC-ST-OBC communities across India has become a disturbing trend.

“The vendetta against Parameshwara forms part of this alarming strategy,” he asserted.

The raids targeted Siddhartha Medical College in Heggare and Sri Siddhartha Institute of Technology (SSIT) in Saraswathipuram, Tumakuru.

Ashoka continued to criticize the Congress-led state government for organizing a massive event to celebrate two years in office.

He remarked, “The Congress-led administration has presented a bankrupt model for Karnataka, imposing tax burdens on the populace.”

He accused Congress leaders of celebrating amidst public suffering.

“Just as Pakistan Army General Asim Munir received the title of Field Marshal, we are bestowing the title of ‘Bankrupt Model of Karnataka’ upon CM Siddaramaiah,” he quipped.

While citizens struggle under tax pressures, the Congress is hosting extravagant events. There’s been a theft of funds within the Valmiki Development Corporation. In MUDA, CM Siddaramaiah has allowed the plundering of 14 sites. Tragically, over 2,000 farmers have taken their own lives. Is this the legacy the Congress celebrates?” Ashoka challenged.

He further claimed that farmers’ land and temple properties have been encroached upon through the Waqf Board. Errors in the KPSC examinations have jeopardized the futures of over 200,000 candidates.

“In Hubballi, a young woman named Neha Hiremath was murdered in a love jihad incident. In Nagamangala, during communal riots, even Lord Ganesha was imprisoned,” he remarked sarcastically.

“Five people have perished due to heavy rains in Bengaluru. The capital has turned into a disaster zone. Alongside increased milk prices, the government has failed to disburse nearly Rs 700 crore in subsidies. Is this what Congress celebrates?” he questioned.

Mallikarjun Kharge referred to Pakistan as ‘our Pakistan.’ They trivialize acts of terrorism. The true nature of Congress leaders has been revealed,” he stated.

“The Congress has transformed the state into an ATM to siphon off money from the people to benefit the central leadership,” Ashoka alleged.

“Let them demonstrate their accomplishments in Bengaluru and the funding they have allocated. During the BJP's tenure, tenders worth Rs 1,600 crore were approved. The Congress government annulled them. Despite announcing Rs 54,000 crore in allocations, that money never materialized. Rs 7,000 crore designated for road projects was redirected to tunnel projects. Now, thanks to the rains, natural tunnels have formed on the roads,” Ashoka charged.

“They continuously promote ‘Brand Bengaluru’ and now discuss ‘Greater Bengaluru,’ but have delivered neither. A well-developed city envisioned by Nadaprabhu Kempegowda is sufficient for us,” he added.

Ashoka demanded the release of Rs 5,000 crore for relief efforts in Bengaluru. “Our government had previously discussed a plan with the World Bank. Those who lost their homes in the floods should receive compensation between Rs 25,000 and Rs 1 lakh. A mere Rs 7,000-8,000 is unacceptable,” he insisted.

“It has been a decade since Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister. We will showcase the allocations made by the Modi government for railways, drinking water, and highways. Let Siddaramaiah reveal how much Manmohan Singh's administration provided. Simply paying taxes does not entitle you to rights. What will happen when the people of Mysuru and Bengaluru assert, ‘Our taxes, our rights’?” Ashoka queried.