Recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on institutions linked to Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara have cast a shadow over his political future, potentially putting his long-held chief ministerial aspirations on hold. The raids, connected to a money laundering investigation related to a gold smuggling racket involving Kannada actress Ranya Rao, have triggered a political storm in Karnataka, with accusations of political vendetta and misuse of central agencies flying between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP.
Parameshwara, a prominent Dalit leader within the Karnataka Congress, has long been considered a contender for the state's top post. He holds the record for being the longest-serving state Congress president and is considered third in the hierarchy after the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. However, the recent ED actions have undoubtedly put his image and political standing under scrutiny.
The ED's investigation stems from the arrest of Ranya Rao at Bengaluru International Airport in March, where she was allegedly carrying 14.2 kg of gold bars worth approximately Rs 12.5 crore. The ED and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) subsequently took over the probe, leading to searches at 16 premises, including educational institutions managed by Parameshwara's Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education. Specifically, the Sri Siddhartha Medical College and Sri Siddhartha Institute of Technology in Tumakuru, and the Sri Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences in Nelamangala were searched. The ED alleges that a trust linked to the academy paid Rs 40 lakh towards Rao's credit card bills, raising suspicions of financial irregularities.
In response to the raids, Parameshwara has pledged his full cooperation with the ED, asserting his belief in the rule of law. He has refrained from commenting on the specifics of the allegations, including the Rs 40 lakh payment, stating that he will respond once the investigation is complete. Meanwhile, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has defended Parameshwara, suggesting that the payment to Rao could have been a wedding gift. Shivakumar emphasized Parameshwara's long-standing service, honesty, and integrity.
The ED raids have ignited a political firestorm in Karnataka. Congress leaders have rallied in support of Parameshwara, accusing the BJP-led central government of targeting a Dalit leader and engaging in "harassment, vendetta, and intimidation." They claim the ED's actions are politically motivated, particularly after the Karnataka government distributed ownership rights to 1 lakh SC/ST families. BJP leaders, on the other hand, have hinted at a possible connection between the ED raids and alleged gold smuggling by Ranya Rao, speculating that illicit funds from this operation might have been channeled into the Siddartha Education Society belonging to Parameshwara. Union minister Pralhad Joshi has gone so far as to claim that the ED's allegations against Parameshwara are a result of internal Congress factionalism, alleging that some Congress members are providing information to the ED.
The raids and the ensuing controversy have undoubtedly put a dent in Parameshwara's political prospects. While it is too early to determine the full impact of the ED investigation, the allegations and the intense media scrutiny could impede his chances of realizing his chief ministerial ambitions. The situation highlights the challenges faced by politicians in India, where investigative agencies and political rivalries can significantly influence a leader's career trajectory. As the investigation unfolds, all eyes will be on Parameshwara and the Karnataka political landscape, with the future of a prominent leader hanging in the balance.
