BJP using central agencies to silence political opponents: DK Suresh

BENGALURU: Bengaluru Rural MP

DK Suresh

on Saturday accused the BJP leaders of trying to destabilise the state government and silence political opponents by using central agencies like CBI, enforcement directorate (ED) and income tax department. This comes in the wake of speculations that ED is set to arrest water resources minister DK Shivakumar and him.

Suresh, younger brother of Shivakumar, released a letter to the media allegedly written by state BJP president BS Yeddyurappa to the chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on January 10, 2017 seeking inquiry into business of the brothers.

“This is a proof of how the BJP leaders are misusing their power by setting the central agencies behind their political opponents. There’s a talk going on in BJP circles that my brother (Shivakumar) will be arrested in a month by the ED. Doesn’t it suggest what BJP is up to?” Suresh asked.

The BJP, however, dismissed the allegations and said the letter is fake. “The fake letter shows the desperation of the Congress to save its unholy government. I’ve never indulged in such cheap politics and would retire from politics if it’s proven,” Yeddyurappa tweeted.

Shivakumar and his brother have been under the I-T department’s radar ever since their offices and residences in Bengaluru,

Kanakapura

and New Delhi were raided by the ED in 2017. They are also facing four cases filed by the department.

Suresh also alleged that three to four Congress leaders from the state are also under the scanner of the central agencies. However, he declined to reveal names. “I don’t want to reveal anything now, but I’ve definite information. The CM has also given hint about it,” he claimed, adding that the BJP’s intention is to destabilize the government and torture Congress leaders ahead of the Lok Sabha election.

No notice from ED

On Saturday, political circles were abuzz with news that the DK brothers may be arrested on Monday as ED is set to file an FIR against them in connection with the case pertaining to I-T department officials confiscating Rs 8.5 crore unaccounted money from Shivakumar’s apartment in New Delhi. However, there was no confirmation from ED on filing an FIR or issuing notices to the duo.

“We don’t have any information about ED preparing to file FIR. We’ve not received any notice from ED, but such a news is going on in media. Based on that we’re reacting,” he said, while claiming that all his business dealings are legal and he has no fear of ED or any other agency.

“Since the I-T raids did not yield anything to implicate us, BJP leaders are now trying to make use of ED. They are pressurizing officials to somehow put us behind the bars,” he alleged.

Suresh said he has sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to draw his attention towards the misuse of central agencies. “I don’t know whether he’s aware of these developments. If I get an appointment, I’ll explain everything,” he added.