The Indian National Congress (INC) has come out strongly against the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids conducted on Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara, calling it a clear case of “harassment, vendetta, and intimidation” orchestrated by the Narendra Modi-led Central government.
In a sharp rebuke, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said the party “condemns in the strongest possible terms” the ED’s actions, describing Parameshwara as “one of the country’s senior-most political leaders” known for his contributions to education and social upliftment, particularly for marginalized communities.
“The ED actions, undertaken at the behest of the PM himself, reflect the politics of harassment and vendetta of which he is the master,” Ramesh said in a post on X. “The BJP is clearly nervous about the achievements of the Karnataka government over the past two years. We will not be silenced.”
The ED raids were reportedly conducted at multiple locations linked to Parameshwara, sparking outrage within the Congress. Senior party leader Randeep Surjewala also weighed in, connecting the raids to the Karnataka government’s recent landmark decision to grant ownership rights to 1 lakh SC-ST families in Hospet.
“The ED raids on educational institutions associated with Dr G Parameshwara are a frustrated reaction to this progressive move,” Surjewala said. He described the raids as part of a “sinister design” aimed at targeting SC-ST-OBC leaders and undermining constitutional values.
Surjewala further alleged that the raids were a “desperate attempt to divert attention” from the corruption of previous BJP governments.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar defended Parameshwara, saying: “He is a very decent and simple man. I am sure he is not involved in any such case.”
The Congress party has vowed to continue challenging the BJP’s narrative and accused the ruling party at the Centre of weaponizing investigative agencies to settle political scores, especially in opposition-ruled states.
