Bengaluru, Mar 17 (UNI) Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Monday dismissed BJP leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal's claim that he would reveal the names of two ministers allegedly involved in the Ranya Rao gold smuggling case, accusing him of making baseless allegations for publicity.
"Yatnal and other BJP leaders have a habit of shooting in the dark. Even in the PSI scam, he had claimed to have names but failed to appear for investigation. If he has documents, he should submit them to the authorities or place them before the Assembly. But mark my words, he will not do it, as he only seeks 15 seconds of fame," Kharge stated.
Kharge further criticised the BJP, alleging that the party resorts to communal politics whenever its popularity declines.
Meanwhile, Yatnal is set to disclose the names of the two ministers allegedly linked to the gold smuggling case involving actress Ranya Rao during today’s Assembly session.
Addressing the media in Vijayapura on Sunday, Yatnal claimed to have gathered comprehensive details about the case, including information on the ministers who allegedly facilitated the actress’s activities by ensuring her exemption from security checks and providing official vehicles and security cover.
"I have details about the source of the gold, its concealment, and its final recipients. I will reveal everything in the Assembly," he asserted.
Dismissing allegations against the Union government, Yatnal clarified that Union Ministers were not involved in the case. "I am certain about that. But I do know which two members of the State Cabinet are involved," he said.
When asked about the role of central agencies, Yatnal noted that all airports are managed by the Airports Authority of India, a Union government agency. “If it is found that Customs officers are involved, I will not support them,” he added, arguing that the case should not be viewed as a failure of the Union government agency, since the accused allegedly received protection from two State Cabinet Ministers.
On reports regarding the BJP’s involvement in Ranya's proposed industrial venture, Yatnal acknowledged that the previous BJP government had sanctioned land for her project. “BJP leader Murugesh Nirani has confirmed that he approved land for her company when he was the Industries Minister. However, the land was not transferred as the actress did not pay the requisite amount,” he clarified.
Kharge also took aim at the BJP’s stance on the Karnataka budget, criticising the party’s accusations of it being a "halal budget" and claims of appeasement.
"If this is a halal budget and Pakistan, then the Union government also runs the Ministry of Minority Affairs. Does that mean the Union government is building a Pakistan within India? This is the kind of politics the BJP practices. Whenever the BJP is losing ground, they use the Muslim community as a political tool," he alleged.
Citing examples, Kharge pointed out that Maharashtra had tripled madrasa teachers’ salaries and allocated ₹1,000 crore for the Maulana Azad Development Corporation Board. "Is that not appeasement? The Union government itself has allocated ₹3,500 crore for minority welfare, which includes Jains, Buddhists, and Christians. The BJP has lost the plot completely in Karnataka. The party’s internal infighting is so intense that, to divert attention, they are resorting to such rhetoric," he alleged.
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