The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday conducted a raid at the residence of former Rajasthan Transport Minister and senior Congress leader Pratap Singh Khachariyawas in Jaipur’s Civil Lines area. The action has sparked political tensions in the state, with Khachariyawas alleging misuse of central agencies by the BJP.
Reacting to the raid, Khachariyawas maintained that he has nothing to hide and is fully cooperating with the ED. “They can search everything — we are not afraid. I haven’t received any notice; the ED came directly to raid. I believe the BJP should stop using the ED as a political tool,” he told reporters.
Though the reason for the raid remains undisclosed, the development created a stir in Jaipur, prompting Khachariyawas’ supporters to gather outside his residence and raise slogans against the central government.
Standing firm, the Congress leader added, “Officials are just doing their job as per instructions. They have the constitutional right to conduct searches, and I am cooperating. But everyone knows this is happening because I speak out against the BJP.”
In a strong counter, Khachariyawas hinted at political retaliation if Congress returns to power. “Governments come and go. If Rahul Gandhi becomes Prime Minister, the BJP will face the same music. What they are doing today, they should be ready to face tomorrow.”
Khachariyawas served as Transport Minister in the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government until its term ended in 2023. The raid is the latest in a string of ED actions targeting opposition leaders, drawing criticism from the Congress over alleged political targeting.