Why is Shivakumar Defending Parameshwara's Financial Aid to Ranya Rao?

Bengaluru, May 22 (NationPress) Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar defended Karnataka's Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Thursday regarding the financial assistance given to Ranya Rao, who is the primary suspect in the gold smuggling scandal.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been executing searches at educational establishments owned by Parameshwara since Wednesday. Reports indicate that these investigations are related to a monetary transfer made to Ranya Rao’s account from one of Parameshwara’s institutions.

On Thursday, Shivakumar asserted that Parameshwara had provided the funds as a gift and did not instruct Ranya Rao to partake in gold smuggling activities.

“Why should there be any uproar regarding my comment that Home Minister G. Parameshwara gave money to actress Ranya Rao, the main suspect in the gold smuggling investigation? I spoke with Home Minister Parameshwara, and he clarified that he assisted her financially during her marriage. So where does the controversy stem from?” Shivakumar stated.

When queried about Ranya Rao’s involvement in the gold smuggling case, Shivakumar remarked, “She may be an accused. It’s a scam involving significant sums of money. We do not wish to meddle in the investigation, nor do we plan to back anyone.”

He emphasized that Parameshwara has never condoned the scam. “Parameshwara knew an officer who worked under him, and he might have assisted her as a wedding gift,” Shivakumar elaborated, referencing Ranya Rao’s stepfather, a DGP rank officer currently on mandatory leave.

“As the State Party President, I felt it necessary to inquire about the ED raids and the association of his name with the scam. He assured me that there is nothing to worry about. No educational institution would finance such endeavors. We also manage charitable trusts and contribute funds. I trust that Parameshwara provided the money in that context,” he noted.

Shivakumar insisted that the BJP should not interpret this as an admission of wrongdoing. “Parameshwara has not refuted giving Rs 40 lakh to her. However, what is crucial is the reason behind the money transfer. Was it for gold smuggling? Absolutely not. It was intended for her family wedding, an event I also attended,” he remarked.

Previously, Shivakumar mentioned that Home Minister G. Parameshwara might have given some money to Kannada actress Ranya Rao, who is connected to the gold smuggling investigation, as a wedding present.

Shivakumar stated, “I visited Home Minister Parameshwara and discussed this with him. He informed me that he contributed between Rs 15 to 25 lakh. We are all public figures. Many of us run trusts. It is customary to give gifts during weddings and other celebrations.”