Vijayapura
Former minister and Basavan Bagewadi MLA Shivanand Patil has alleged that central investigative agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), are being used as political tools to threaten and pressure Congress leaders.
Patil said selective action against opposition leaders was politically motivated and raised serious questions about the functioning of investigative agencies in a democracy. He alleged that several Congress leaders had faced pressure from the ED and CBI and later joined the BJP.
“Many Congress leaders have faced pressure and threats from agencies such as the ED and CBI and later joined the BJP. What does this indicate? It clearly raises questions about the political motivation behind such action,” he said.
Patil alleged that raids were first conducted against Congress leaders and that subsequent investigations and findings were then used to justify the action. He said investigative agencies have the right to conduct inquiries into allegations and take action according to law, but questioned whether the agencies were being selective in targeting opposition leaders.
“Whatever the agencies claim to have found can be investigated according to law. But conducting raids specifically against opposition leaders and subsequently seeing them move to the BJP raises serious questions,” Patil said.
He maintained that agencies such as the ED and CBI should function independently and impartially. According to him, investigations must be based on evidence and legal procedures rather than political considerations. He said the credibility of these institutions depends on their ability to act without fear, favour or political influence.
Patil’s remarks come amid continuing political debate over the use of central investigative agencies against opposition leaders. He stressed that democratic institutions should remain independent and that investigative action should be carried out fairly, regardless of a person’s political affiliation.
