Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge Questions BJP's Inaction on SEBI Scandal
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Synopsis
On March 3, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge criticized the BJP leadership's silence regarding a court's directive for an FIR against SEBI officials for alleged fraud. He questioned the implications for middle-class investors and called for accountability from the Union Finance Minister.
Key Takeaways
- Priyank Kharge questions BJP's silence on SEBI scandal.
- A special court in Mumbai orders FIR against SEBI officials.
- Allegations of stock market manipulation raised.
- Concerns voiced about accountability for middle-class investors.
- Critique of BJP's focus on the Governor instead of core issues.
Bengaluru, March 3 (NationPress) Karnataka Minister for RDPR, IT, and BT, Priyank Kharge on Monday raised concerns regarding the silence of BJP's national leadership in light of a Mumbai special court's directive to file an FIR against SEBI officials.
A special court in Mumbai mandated that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) initiate an FIR against former SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and five other officials for alleged stock market fraud and violations of regulatory protocols.
The court highlighted prima facie evidence indicating regulatory failings and possible collusion, necessitating an unbiased investigation. However, both SEBI and BSE dismissed the allegations as unsubstantiated.
In a media briefing at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, Priyank Kharge responded to inquiries, stating, “A Mumbai court has implicated former SEBI officials. What does Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman have to say regarding this ruling?”
“Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has consistently voiced concerns about SEBI and the irregular actions of its chief. What is her response? Why has the BJP leadership chosen to remain silent?” Kharge inquired.
“This is a significant scam. The middle and lower-middle-class families have invested in the stock market. If the market is being manipulated and SEBI becomes a corrupt entity, who will be accountable?” he further questioned.
“We have consistently asserted that the former SEBI chief is culpable, compromised, and corrupt, providing evidence to back our claims. Yet, they have ignored it in the House. Today, the truth is evident. What is the Union Finance Minister's response now? Is this how they gamble with the livelihoods of middle-income families?” Kharge queried.
Commenting on BJP's protest against the Congress-led government in Karnataka for allegedly insulting the Governor, Kharge remarked, “Instead of safeguarding the Governor or his office, the BJP ought to protest against the central government for continually disrespecting Karnataka and its populace.”
“There is a lack of appropriate tax distribution, leading to a reduction in our share. Issues like delimitation, the three-language policy, and the National Education Policy (NEP) are being imposed on southern states. If BJP leaders have any dignity, they should protest against the central government,” he criticized.
“The Governor’s office has never been insulted and will not be in the future. He is the constitutional authority. If BJP leaders can clarify how the Governor was insulted, we will respond. They merely wish to project a united front,” he added.
In response to allegations of the Congress government misusing funds meant for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), Kharge asserted, “There are three methods to utilize SCP and TSP funds — through rules 7A, 7B, and 7C. I challenge the BJP to specify which of these rules have been breached.”
“During their governance (BJP), Rule 7D was misappropriated, as acknowledged by former CM Basavaraj Bommai, resulting in a loss of nearly Rs 10,000 crore. We will address all matters in the House. Why is the BJP so anxious to face embarrassment?” Kharge remarked.
