Final Up to date: March 15, 2024, 22:43 IST
BRS MLC Okay Kavitha addresses a press convention in Hyderabad. (PTI file picture)
Transitioning to electoral politics in 2014, Kavitha contested and received the Lok Sabha elections from Nizamabad however confronted defeat in 2019 because of points with turmeric farmers
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) chief Okay. Kavitha was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) shortly after the central probe company, together with the Earnings Tax division, carried out searches at her residence in Hyderabad on Friday.
The BRS MLC is being taken to Delhi for questioning in reference to a cash laundering case related to the now-defunct Delhi excise coverage.
Transition to politics
Kavitha, daughter of former Telangana chief minister Okay. Chandrashekar Rao, pursued her schooling within the US earlier than returning to the state because the Telangana statehood motion gained momentum. Actively collaborating within the motion, she emerged as a outstanding determine, main large-scale all-women protests. In 2006, she based Telangana Jagruthi to advertise the state’s tradition, traditions, and festivals. Kavitha’s efforts performed a vital position in revitalising the Bathukamma flower pageant, now a spotlight of the state’s cultural calendar.
Transitioning to electoral politics in 2014, Kavitha contested and received within the Lok Sabha elections from Nizamabad, securing victory by a margin of 1.67 lakh votes over the Congress’ incumbent MP Madhu Goud Yaskhi. Nevertheless, her tenure confronted criticism for neglecting the grievances of turmeric farmers demanding a turmeric board for worth regulation. This discontent paved the best way for her defeat to the BJP’s Dharmapuri Aravind in 2019.
Following a short hiatus from public life, Kavitha made a comeback in October 2020, profitable a seat within the state Legislative Council from Nizamabad. She was re-elected to the Home in December 2021 and stays a vocal critic of the BJP-led Centre, opposing initiatives such because the proposed public sale of belongings belonging to a Cement Company of India unit in Adilabad, and advocating in opposition to rising costs and inflation.
ED’s Allegations
The ED alleges Kavitha’s involvement in a “South Group” foyer of liquor merchants underneath the Delhi excise coverage. It alleged that one of many accused within the case, Vijay Nair, obtained kickbacks on behalf of AAP leaders from this group, purportedly managed by Kavitha and others. Pillai, a key determine within the case, reportedly had shut ties with Kavitha.
The ED additionally claims Pillai represented Kavitha’s ‘benami investments’ and alleges political collaboration between Kavitha and Delhi’s CM Arvind Kejriwal and former deputy CM Manish Sisodia.
Others alleged to be a part of the ‘South Group’ embody Raghav Magunta, the son of Ongole MP Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, and P Sarath Chandra Reddy, the son of P V Ramprasad Reddy, who’s the co-founder of the Hyderabad-based Aurobindo Pharma.
Kavitha has repeatedly denied all allegations associated to the liquor rip-off on a number of events. In an interview with The Indian Categorical previous to final 12 months’s elections, she firmly refuted the accusations, stating, “I had no position in it. They’ve made sweeping allegations and put the burden of proof on me… However we’re preventing it. We’re speaking about state excesses and the misuse of businesses.”
Considerably, Kavitha’s arrest comes on the identical day that the Congress authorities in Telangana completes 100 days, whereas Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a roadshow on Friday within the Hyderabad suburb of Malkajgiri.
(With inputs from businesses)
