Why is Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena Targeting the ED and BJP?

Mumbai, July 23 (NationPress) The Shiv Sena (UBT) has recently accused the Enforcement Directorate of failing to uphold the principles of law and justice and criticized the BJP for manipulating the ED as a political tool. In an editorial published in its mouthpiece 'Saamana', Shiv Sena (UBT) alleged that the misuse of agencies such as the ED represents a betrayal of the Indian Constitution. The editorial stated, "The ED, which appears to disregard the values of law and justice, has categorized corrupt individuals into two groups—those aligned with the BJP are deemed righteous, while opposition politicians and businessmen are labeled as thieves. The ED's credibility has been brought into question multiple times, and the Supreme Court has intervened, highlighting the need for accountability. Chief Justice Gavai deserves commendation for this," it stated.

The motivation behind Uddhav Thackeray's criticism of the central investigation agency stemmed from the Chief Justice's sharp remarks regarding the ED: "Don’t weaponize the court for your political skirmishes." He further warned, "I’ve witnessed the situation in Maharashtra. Please don’t compel us to make harsh statements regarding the Enforcement Directorate. Let political disputes remain within the electorate. Why involve the ED?"

In alignment with the Chief Justice’s comments, the Thackeray faction claimed that the situation in Maharashtra is detrimental to democracy, the Constitution, and the integrity of investigative agencies. The ED has been utilized overtly for political agendas. “The arrests of former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, former Minister Nawab Malik, and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut were politically motivated acts of retaliation. The allegations made by the ED were ultimately proven to be baseless. Their actions were aimed at destabilizing the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra,” the editorial asserted.

According to the editorial, the central investigation agencies have never been exploited so brazenly in Indian politics. “Anil Deshmukh was implicated in a money laundering case of ₹100 crore, which was later reduced to ₹1.25 crore. Sanjay Raut faced allegations related to a ₹1400 crore Patra Chawl case, which dwindled to ₹50 lakh. The ED's reputation has suffered in court. Nawab Malik’s alleged connection with Dawood Ibrahim in a land transaction could not be substantiated, and ironically, he is now part of the ruling party,” it noted.

Escalating their critique of both the ED and the BJP, the Thackeray faction highlighted that the central agency faced significant challenges in a land case linked to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife, Parvati. “The BJP refused to acknowledge the formation of a Congress government in Karnataka, granting the ED free rein there. The agency has been pursuing Congress leaders and attempting to orchestrate the downfall of the opposition government, mirroring its actions in Maharashtra,” the editorial charged.

The editorial also claimed that ED officials are “not as pristine as they appear, being implicated in embezzling thousands of crores.”

It further alleged that ED officials created benami properties in Italy, London, and America, with some opting for early retirement to join the BJP. Trusted ED personnel were appointed as agents to collect bribes. “Despite this, the ED has continued its operations under the direct influence of the BJP. In Maharashtra, individuals against whom ED actions were warranted are now part of the state cabinet and ruling party. Ironically, the ED continues to target BJP's political opponents,” the editorial stated.

“After plundering Mumbai, the road department officials and builders from the Shinde camp vacationed in London and Dubai without consequence. The ED has not acted against them. It has functioned as a mere extension of the Bharatiya Janata Party, behaving like a gang of goons, believing they are untouchable,” the editorial concluded.

“Black marketeers, money launderers, and drug dealers operate freely in the nation, while the ED remains inactive. The largest amounts of money laundering have reportedly found their way into the BJP's accounts, but the ED has not raised concerns. However, wherever opposition parties govern, the ED is actively pursuing them. Doesn’t the ED recognize that significant money laundering is currently occurring within Indian cricket? Chief Justice Gavai has compelled the ED to confront its own reality,” the editorial remarked.