Is Karnataka BJP Supporting ED's Actions in Tribal Board Case?

Bengaluru, June 11 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has expressed its support for the recent actions taken by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against four Congress MLAs and one MP regarding alleged misconduct within the Maharshi Valmiki Tribal Welfare Board in Ballary district and Bengaluru.

During a press briefing held at the BJP's state headquarters, Jagannath Bhavan, in Bengaluru, senior BJP figure and former minister B. Sriramulu commented, "The ED's operations today will unveil the true faces of many leaders. We must uncover the influential individual behind this scandal.”

“They have misappropriated funds intended for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students, including scholarship funds, resources for the Ganga Kalyana scheme, and money designated for impoverished communities,” B. Sriramulu alleged.

He expressed confidence that the people would respond appropriately to those who have misused public funds following the ED's actions.

“These individuals have stolen resources meant for our community's children and families,” he reiterated.

Sriramulu stated, "It is possible that they reached their current positions as MPs and MLAs using that very money. However, the citizens of this region are vigilant. They will ensure justice is served."

He mentioned that the ED is conducting raids at the residences of MP Tukaram from Ballari district, as well as MLAs Na. Ra. Bharath Reddy, Srinivas, and Kampli Ganesh.

"These leaders have portrayed themselves as paragons of honesty. They spoke as if their actions were purely altruistic. Many believed they were sincere and acted according to their principles," he added.

"Under the guidance of State President B.Y. Vijayendra, our party members have organized a padayatra to highlight corruption within the Maharshi Valmiki Development Corporation. We demanded the resignation of former minister B. Nagendra. Due to our persistence, he resigned and faced incarceration," he shared.

Tragically, during the investigation, a staffer from the board, P. Chandrasekaran, took his own life, leaving behind a note implicating a powerful minister and detailing the involved officials. The BJP remains steadfast in its fight against the Valmiki scam.

"Despite inquiries about the whereabouts of the misappropriated funds, the government has failed to provide answers. This administration professes to support Scheduled Caste and Tribe citizens, yet the Congress government has not acted to protect these children,” Sriramulu claimed.

He posed a critical question: "Governments may change, but ministers and public representatives should possess the wisdom to conduct themselves appropriately. If they misuse government funds, can they truly be considered politicians?"

Present during the conference were OBC Morcha State General Secretary Somashekar, along with BJP leaders M.D. Lakshminarayan and Venkatesh.