‘I’m Not Afraid, Will Fight It All’: DK Shivakumar Hits Back Ahead of ED Appearance

Former Karnataka minister and Congress troubleshooter DK Shivakumar, due to appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Delhi on Friday afternoon in a money laundering case, has accused the government of conspiring against him.

The summons

The agency summoned him again on Thursday night after the Karnataka High Court rejected his petition challenging the summons. The ED registered a money laundering case against Shivakumar and some others in September last year over alleged evasion of tax and illegal dealings worth crores.

Known for his negotiating skills, Shivakumar led the Congress effort to win back rebel MLAs ahead of the July collapse of the JD(S)-Congress government.

Allegations of double standards

Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar said JD(S) MLA Srinivas Gowda had openly stated in the assembly that the BJP offered him Rs 5 crore, yet there had been no probe into ‘Operation Lotus’ and no ED or income tax action against those involved. “For them (BJP) law is different and for others law is different, is it?” he asked.

He said income tax officers had raided his home and offices with CRPF personnel while he was keeping Gujarat MLAs safe at a resort, that his family’s property had been attached and that his 80-year-old mother had been questioned. He asked what was wrong with buying property in her name.

His defence

Shivakumar said he had appeared 16 times when asked, had cooperated each time and had given the authorities all records and affidavits on his assets. He denied cheating anyone, making foreign transactions or taking part in corruption, and said everything he had done was for the party.

He said he had asked the ED for time because of Gauri and Ganesh Chaturthi and family commitments, as he could not appear at 1 PM on Saturday, and would look at legal options in Delhi. “I am not afraid of anything,” he said.

He also accused Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa of vindictive politics, saying projects started by the previous government had been put on hold despite his promise to the contrary.

Background

The JD(S)-Congress government in Karnataka fell in July 2019, and Yeddyurappa returned as Chief Minister.

See also: Indian National Congress, political leaders.

Originally published on 30 August 2019. Rewritten on 9 October 2026.

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