Did K'taka BJP Accuse Jailed MLA Veerendra of Funding Congress with Rs 300 Crore for Bihar Elections?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- K.C. Veerendra faces serious accusations regarding political funding.
- The allegations involve over Rs 300 crore linked to Bihar elections.
- The Enforcement Directorate is actively investigating illegal activities.
- BJP claims Karnataka has become a funding source for Congress.
- Political implications could significantly affect upcoming elections.
Bengaluru, Oct 11 (NationPress) The Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made serious allegations against jailed Congress MLA K.C. Veerendra, also known as Veerendra Pappi, claiming that he has transferred over Rs 300 crore to aid the forthcoming Bihar elections.
This Congress representative is currently behind bars due to his involvement in an illegal betting case, as per the guidelines of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Investigators from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have identified transactions worth Rs 2,000 crore and confiscated substantial amounts of gold bars and cash from his properties across the nation.
The Leader of Opposition in Karnataka and prominent BJP figure, R. Ashoka, stated, "Congress MLA Veerendra Pappi has dispatched gold bars and over Rs 300 crore for the Bihar elections. Karnataka is being treated as an ATM by Congress. They meticulously account for the contributions of each MLA and assign positions based on this. Entrepreneur Mohandas Pai has highlighted the extent of corruption within every department."
Ashoka further commented, "A change in the Chief Ministerial position in Karnataka appears imminent. Even the Congress MLAs are hinting at it. Ramanagara Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain has voiced similar concerns. Given that a CM change may occur in November, CM Siddaramaiah is rushing a caste survey in the state."
The Karnataka BJP has intensified its criticism of the Congress-led government over the purported transfer of Rs 300 crore by jailed MLA K.C. Veerendra in exchange for a ministerial position.
In response, Congress has questioned the extent of corruption among the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and other Ministers, asking how much more they are siphoning off to send to the party's leadership.
BJP leader Ashoka remarked, "What sum have CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar pledged to contribute for the Bihar elections to support Congress leader Rahul Gandhi?"
"Given the actions of Congress MLA K.C. Veerendra, who seems to be seeking a Ministerial role through the offer of Rs 300 crore for the Bihar elections, one can only speculate on how much more CM Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and other Ministers might be misappropriating to maintain their positions and fund the high command," he added.
The ED has recently confiscated 40 kg of gold valued at Rs 50.44 crore from his residence.
In an earlier raid, the ED seized luxurious vehicles and gold worth Rs 103 crore.
"Overall, the ED's investigations have exposed illegal betting transactions totaling Rs 2,000 crore. Congress MLA K.C. Veerendra was apparently well-prepared with funds. However, the ED's actions against the MLA have left him and the Congress party in shock," ED sources stated.