Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 16: Chief minister Siddaramaiah has strongly criticised the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) charges against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, calling it a blatant act of ‘vindictive politics’ orchestrated by the BJP-led central government.
In a media statement released on Wednesday, Siddaramaiah accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah of weaponising central agencies against political opponents. “The charge sheet against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi — both towering figures in the Congress and seen as a threat by the BJP — is yet another instance of the Modi-Shah duo’s relentless pursuit of political revenge,” he said.
The chief minister asserted that this move goes beyond targeting two individuals. “It is a clear message to all opposition parties and democracy-loving citizens: dissent will not be tolerated. But the Congress party, which has always stood firm against hatred and injustice, will rise to meet this challenge with truth on its side,” he affirmed.
Lashing out at the ruling dispensation, Siddaramaiah further alleged that central agencies like the ED are being misused to settle political scores. He termed the charges in the National Herald case as ‘fabricated’ and part of a calculated campaign of harassment.
“The ED, which has continuously harassed our senior leaders under the guise of investigation, has now filed a baseless charge sheet after failing to unearth any real evidence. This is nothing but mental torture,” he charged.
Calling for mass resistance, Siddaramaiah urged every Congress worker to hit the streets in protest and appealed to all citizens who value democracy and the Constitution to stand in solidarity.
Backing the CM’s remarks, deputy chief minister and KPCC president D K Shivakumar also condemned the ED’s move. “We strongly oppose the property attachment and the filing of the charge sheet in the National Herald case. This is a politically motivated conspiracy aimed at maligning Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi,” he said.
He pointed out that the National Herald was founded by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and run with the support of many, not for personal enrichment. “This baseless targeting is an insult to that legacy. We will soon launch a public protest in response,” Shivakumar announced.
He added that while a demonstration against rising prices has already been scheduled for April 17, the party will soon finalise a separate protest against the ED's actions.