"Tactics to exert pressure, case won't hold in court": Congress on ED questioning Harish Rawat
Congress leader Ganesh Godiyal alleges ED questioning of Harish Rawat is a tactic to exert pressure ahead of Uttarakhand elections.
The political atmosphere in Uttarakhand has intensified following the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) questioning of former Chief Minister Harish Rawat on Saturday. Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee President Ganesh Godiyal has slammed the move, labeling it a calculated attempt to intimidate opposition leaders ahead of upcoming elections.
Congress Alleges Political Vendetta
Reacting to the summons, Ganesh Godiyal claimed that the central government is utilizing investigative agencies as tools for political maneuvering. He suggested that the timing of the questioning is not coincidental, given the approaching elections in the state.
"... It has been a consistent pattern—a modus operandi—of the BJP-led central government to use agencies like the ED, CBI, and Income Tax Department to exert pressure on key leaders whenever elections draw near in a state," Godiyal told ANI.
Godiyal further asserted that while the ED might cause "temporary trouble" for the former Chief Minister, the legal merits of the case are weak. He maintained that the allegations would ultimately fail to stand up under judicial scrutiny.
Harish Rawat Appears Before ED
Former Chief Minister Harish Rawat arrived at the ED office in Dehradun on Saturday to address the summons. Demonstrating a sense of calm, Rawat noted that he had come alone, having first sought blessings from his late mother, Maa Jagdamba, and Mother Earth.
Speaking to the media before entering the premises, Rawat emphasized his compliance with the legal process while maintaining his innocence. "I have not called anyone, nor have I asked anyone to come. The ED summoned me, so I came here quietly," he stated.
Details of the Investigation
The investigation pertains to alleged irregularities surrounding the 2016 Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission (UKSSSC) Gram Panchayat Vikas Adhikari (VPDO) examination. The ED's probe into this matter has previously involved searches at various locations across Dehradun.
Key details regarding the summons include:
- Notice Period: Rawat received the official notice just two days prior to his appearance.
- Document Demands: The agency has requested a wide array of documentation from the former leader.
- Scope of Inquiry: Rawat's office confirmed that the ED is seeking specific details regarding his residence, business interests, various properties, and bank accounts.
As the probe continues, the political divide in Uttarakhand remains sharp, with the Congress party framing the investigation as an orchestrated effort by the BJP to influence the state's electoral landscape.