ED summons driven by BJP's electoral anxiety: Harish Rawat
Former Uttarakhand CM Harish Rawat claims ED summons are driven by BJP's electoral anxiety ahead of state polls.
Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat has launched a scathing attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming that the recent summons issued to him by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are a direct result of the party's nervousness regarding the upcoming state Assembly elections.
Political Revenge vs. Investigation
Taking to the social media platform X, Rawat expressed that his experiences with the current political climate have been a blend of excitement and deep disappointment. He suggested that the summons are not merely a legal procedure but a manifestation of the "arrogance of power."
"The worry isn't mine alone—it's for the country and society. If governments operate with a spirit of revenge, how will the nation function?" Rawat stated, adding that it is the BJP's electoral anxieties that have brought him into the agency's crosshairs. He concluded his message with a defiant tone, noting that the actions of the BJP and ED have brought him back to Dehradun, and he is ready to see what follows.
The Context Behind the ED Probe
The summons follow intensive searches conducted by the ED at several locations in Dehradun. These raids are part of an ongoing investigation into alleged massive irregularities surrounding the 2016 UKSSSC VPDO examination.
Key details regarding the investigation include:
- The ED conducted searches at the residence of Rawat’s personal assistant, Chandan Singh Jeena.
- Authorities reported the recovery of ₹32 lakh in unaccounted cash, along with gold and luxury watches during these searches.
- The pressure from these investigations previously led Rawat to resign from two Congress party positions on September 11 to ensure the party's fight remained strong.
Details of the Questioning Process
Speaking to the media, Rawat detailed the nature of the questioning regarding his financial holdings. He confirmed that he has been cooperative, providing documentation for various assets.
"They asked for papers concerning our assets. I took along my wife's passbook, the post-office passbook, and details of some of my own assets," Rawat explained. He noted that while he has already declared his assets in his Income Tax Returns (ITR), the agency requested further documentation.
However, Rawat highlighted a practical challenge regarding the investigation into his family's holdings. He mentioned that the ED requested information on all family members, including ancestral property. Because the ancestral land in his village remains undivided and is shared among the entire community, gathering the necessary land records is a complex and time-consuming task. He informed the officials of this difficulty, and they have granted him a window of 20 to 25 days to submit the remaining details.