Karnataka Ministers Accuse BJP of Misusing Agencies in Valmiki Scam
In Bengaluru, Karnataka, the Congress party has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using central agencies to destabilize the state government. This accusation follows the arrest of Karnataka Minister B Nagendra by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the alleged Karnataka Maharishi Valmiki Corporation Board scam.
Press Conference Highlights
Five Karnataka ministers addressed the press, criticizing the central government. Minister Priyank Kharge claimed that the BJP uses central agencies like the ED, IT, and CBI to topple opposition-led governments. He listed several states where similar tactics were allegedly used.
Energy Minister KJ George stated that the government will conduct an unbiased investigation into the scam. He accused the BJP of political malpractice and using agencies to spread falsehoods.
Minister Krishna Byre Gowda alleged that the central government is more interested in obtaining confessions than finding the real culprits. He claimed that cases registered by the ED have increased by 400% since 2014, with 95% targeting opposition parties.
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao accused the BJP of using agencies to hatch conspiracies against state governments and representatives.
BJP’s Response
Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra announced a protest at Freedom Park, claiming that new information has emerged about the misuse of funds in the Valmiki scam. He accused the Congress government of trying to divert attention from the issue.
Background of the Valmiki Scam
The Valmiki scam involves the alleged illegal transfer of funds from the Maharshi Valmiki ST Corporation, which is responsible for welfare programs for scheduled tribe members. The scam came to light after an official of the corporation died by suicide, leaving a note alleging multi-crore corruption.
Doubts Revealed
Karnataka -: Karnataka is a state in the southern part of India. It has its own government and is known for its rich culture and history.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party. It is one of the major political parties in India.
ED -: ED stands for Enforcement Directorate. It is a government agency that investigates financial crimes like money laundering.
IT -: IT in this context stands for Income Tax Department. It is responsible for collecting taxes from people and businesses in India.
CBI -: CBI stands for Central Bureau of Investigation. It is India’s top agency for investigating serious crimes like corruption and fraud.
Minister B Nagendra -: B Nagendra is a politician and a minister in the Karnataka state government. He was arrested in connection with the Valmiki scam.
Valmiki scam -: The Valmiki scam involves illegal fund transfers from the Maharshi Valmiki ST Corporation, which is supposed to help people from the Scheduled Tribes (ST) community.
Priyank Kharge -: Priyank Kharge is a politician and a minister in the Karnataka state government. He is one of the people accusing the BJP of misusing agencies.
KJ George -: KJ George is another politician and minister in the Karnataka state government. He is also criticizing the BJP.
Krishna Byre Gowda -: Krishna Byre Gowda is a politician and minister in Karnataka. He is part of the group accusing the BJP.
Dinesh Gundu Rao -: Dinesh Gundu Rao is a politician and minister in Karnataka. He is also involved in the accusations against the BJP.
BY Vijayendra -: BY Vijayendra is the President of the BJP in Karnataka. He announced a protest and claimed to have new information about the scam.
Maharshi Valmiki ST Corporation -: This is an organization meant to help people from the Scheduled Tribes (ST) community in Karnataka. The scam involves illegal fund transfers from this corporation.