Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 17: The political tussle between the ruling Congress and opposition BJP intensified on Monday over allegations linking two state ministers to a gold smuggling case involving Kannada actress Ranya Rao, stepdaughter of Karnataka DGP K. Ramachandra Rao.
While BJP leaders accused the Congress-led government of shielding those involved, the ruling party challenged them to publicly name the ministers.
BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal claimed to possess details about the alleged involvement. “I have complete information about who provided security to Ranya Rao and who was connected to her. I will reveal everything on the floor of the Assembly,” Yatnal asserted on Sunday. He also made a controversial remark about the actress while addressing the media.
Leader of Opposition R Ashoka, speaking at Vidhana Soudha on Monday, said, “There are strong rumours about the involvement of two ministers. The government should have clarified by now. The way this case is being handled clearly indicates the Congress is trying to cover up the truth.”
However, when asked about Yatnal’s allegations, Ashoka admitted he was unaware of the details. “I will speak to Yatnal and understand the specifics,” he added.
Responding to the claims, minister for large and medium industries M B Patil dismissed the accusations as baseless and dared the BJP to present proof. “If Yatnal or any BJP leader has the courage, let them name the ministers in the Assembly today. They cannot keep making wild allegations. If they have evidence, they should also reveal the names of former MLAs and central ministers involved,” he challenged.
Minister for RDPR, IT, and BT Priyank Kharge echoed Patil’s stance, stating, “If BJP leaders possess information that even investigative agencies like the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) do not, they should present it.”
He further added, “They made similar baseless claims during the PSI scam but failed to provide any evidence. If they have names, let them disclose them, but they must back it up with proof. Making empty allegations serves no purpose.”
Minister for transport Ramalinga Reddy also called on the BJP to substantiate its claims. “If they have information, they are free to disclose it. The media and social media are filled with speculation, which the opposition is fueling. If they truly know the names, they should make them public,” he stated.
Meanwhile, A S Ponnanna, legal advisor to chief minister Siddaramaiah, condemned Yatnal’s remarks, accusing the BJP of indulging in smear campaigns. “This reflects BJP’s typical mindset. Their views on women and their patriarchal attitude are clear in Yatnal’s statements. He is already facing enough trouble within his party—creating more controversy will only worsen his situation,” Ponnanna remarked.
He further dismissed the allegations as a political gimmick. “The BJP is fabricating stories because they are politically weak and lack moral ground. The Karnataka BJP is not just divided; it is in shambles. Instead of misleading the public with baseless claims, they should focus on fixing their internal crisis,” he added.
Senior BJP MLA Arvind Bellad, however, defended Yatnal’s statements, stating, “If two ministers are involved in the gold smuggling case, exposing them is the right thing to do.”