Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president, DK Shivakumar, has strongly condemned a notice sent to him by the Delhi Police, labeling it an act of "harassment" and a politically motivated move. The notice is connected to an ongoing investigation into the alleged vandalism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters in New Delhi on December 14, 2023.
What is the Delhi Police Notice About?
The Delhi Police's Special Investigation Team (SIT) issued the notice to Shivakumar, seeking his response and questioning in relation to the incident at the BJP office. The vandalism occurred during a protest by Congress workers against the suspension of opposition MPs from Parliament. The police have registered a case and are investigating the role of several individuals.
Shivakumar received the notice on a Sunday, which he pointed out as unusual. He stated that the notice demanded his appearance before the investigating officer, a move he views as an attempt to intimidate and pressure him. The Deputy CM emphasized that he was not present in Delhi on the day of the incident, December 14, and was instead attending official events in Karnataka.
Shivakumar's Strong Rejection and Allegations
In his response, DK Shivakumar did not mince words. He asserted that the notice was a clear case of political vendetta orchestrated by the BJP-led central government. "It is harassment," he declared, framing the action as an abuse of power aimed at targeting opposition leaders ahead of the general elections.
He questioned the timing and intent behind the notice, suggesting it was designed to disrupt his political activities and tarnish his image. Shivakumar also drew parallels with other instances where central agencies have investigated opposition figures, calling it a pattern of misuse of central investigative machinery.
Broader Political Context and Reactions
This incident has escalated the ongoing political tussle between the Congress party in Karnataka and the BJP at the center. The Congress has consistently accused the central government of using agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and now the police, to target its leaders.
The notice to a sitting Deputy Chief Minister is seen as a significant escalation. It is likely to fuel further confrontation between the state and central governments. Political analysts suggest this could become a major talking point in the election campaign, with the Congress framing it as an attack on federalism and democratic dissent.
Shivakumar has indicated that he will respond to the notice legally and politically. He remains defiant, stating that such tactics will not silence him or his party. The development underscores the increasingly tense relations between the opposition-ruled state and the central government, setting the stage for more political clashes in the run-up to the national polls.
