Yediyurappa Says DK Shivakumar’s Arrest Brought Him No Happiness

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has said he was not pleased by the Enforcement Directorate’s arrest of Congress leader DK Shivakumar. Shivakumar, regarded as the party’s troubleshooter, was arrested on Tuesday in an alleged money laundering case after several days of questioning.

Yediyurappa’s comments

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Yediyurappa said: “Let me tell you one thing, the arrest of DK Shivakumar did not bring me any happiness.” He said he would pray for Shivakumar’s early release, that he had never borne ill will towards anyone, and that the law would take its course. He added that he would be happier than anyone if Shivakumar were cleared of the charges.

Opposition and Shivakumar respond

Several opposition leaders criticised the arrest, alleging that the BJP was using official agencies to suppress dissent. Siddaramaiah wrote on Twitter that opposition leaders were being targeted every day through central agencies, in an attempt to divert attention from the BJP government’s failures.

Posts on Shivakumar’s official Twitter account after his arrest called the cases “politically motivated” and said he was a victim of the BJP’s politics of revenge. Shivakumar has denied any wrongdoing. He has said the income tax searches and the later ED action followed his part in keeping Gujarat Congress MLAs safe at a Karnataka resort during the 2017 Rajya Sabha elections, at a time when the BJP was accused of trying to poach them.

See also: Indian National Congress | Political leaders

Originally published on 4 September 2019. Rewritten on 9 October 2026.

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