Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Criticizes ED Charge Sheet Against Sonia and Rahul as Politically Motivated

Synopsis

Karnataka's CM Siddaramaiah condemned the Enforcement Directorate's charge sheet against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, labeling it as an act of vindictive politics by PM Modi and HM Shah, aimed at stifling dissent and targeting opposition leaders.

Key Takeaways

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah denounces the ED's charge sheet as vindictive.
The charge sheet targets Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, key Congress figures.
Claims of political revenge against dissenting voices in India.
Accusations of misuse of investigative agencies for political gain.
Calls for public protests against government actions.

Bengaluru, April 16 (NationPress) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has stated that the charge sheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi exemplifies the ongoing trend of vindictive politics. CM Siddaramaiah declared in a media statement on Wednesday, "The Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) charge sheet against esteemed Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi -- who pose a significant challenge for the BJP and the Central government -- represents yet another instance of the vindictive politics practiced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah."

He further emphasized, "This action is not just an act of political vengeance against two prominent figures in our party and the Congress party. It serves as a warning from the Central government to all opposition parties and citizens who cherish democracy, indicating that dissent will not be tolerated. The Congress party, which has consistently opposed hateful politics, will confront this challenge with the power of truth and justice."

CM Siddaramaiah accused, "The BJP-led government has persistently exploited autonomous investigative agencies like the ED as instruments to attack opposition leaders. They have now introduced false claims of illegal money transfers in the National Herald case to fuel this vendetta. It is clear that this entire campaign of political animosity is being orchestrated at the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah."

He asserted, "The ED, which has repeatedly harassed and psychologically tormented our senior leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, under the pretense of investigation, has now produced a fabricated charge sheet after failing to uncover any evidence."

"Every Congress worker will rise in protest against the authoritarian maneuvers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Every citizen who values the Constitution and democracy is urged to join this resistance," CM Siddaramaiah appealed.

Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar remarked, "We unequivocally condemn the Enforcement Directorate’s property attachments linked to Congress leaders and the charge sheet in the National Herald case. A protest will be organized in response to this matter."

He added, "The National Herald is an institution established by former Prime Minister late Jawaharlal Nehru. His family has never exploited it for personal gain and has not acquired any property from it. The institution has been sustained by numerous supporters. Currently, there is a conspiracy being devised against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi through unwarranted property attachments. We will conduct a public protest regarding this case."

"We have already scheduled a protest on April 17 against the price hikes imposed by the Central government. In the coming days, following discussions, an additional protest will be planned against the property attachments," Shivakumar concluded.