DK Shivakumar and his MP-brother DK Suresh had turned hosts for Gujarat Congress legislators From royal suites to special Gujarati chef, the minister had taken care everything for the Congress legislators But the IT raid on the minister and family, has been a cause for concern for the home-away legislators
With Energy Minister facing the Income Tax heat, the fate of the Gujarat Congress legislators 'holed' up at the four-star Eagleton resort on the outskirts of Bengaluru now hangs in the balance. For, minister Shivakumar and his MP-brother DK Suresh were "personally" taking care of the 44 legislators who have been brought to Bengaluru to prevent them from being poached ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections in Gujarat.
It may be recalled here that the Gujarat Congress MLAs, who are staying at the, were enjoying the royal facilities provided at the resort, courtesy minister DK Shivakumar. It was reported that the legislators were put up in luxurious suites. The charges of executive suites were as high as Rs 8,500 - including food - and the deluxe rooms were for Rs 7,500 per day. Besides, they were taken sightseeing and also to temples.
Some of the women legislators were taken to shopping malls with security. Besides, the minister had arranged a special after the legislators had complained about the 'spicy South Indian food'. Minister Shivakumar had reportedly claimed that he was bearing their expenses. There were reports that MP Suresh planning a pilgrimage tour for the legislators.
All was fine until Wednesday morning when things turned unexpectedly dramatic. The surprise raid on one of the 's properties has apparently disturbed the Gujarat legislators. Worse, the minister was reportedly at the resort when IT sleuths had come looking for him. His room at the resort was allegedly searched and he was later taken to his residence in Sadashivanagar where the IT officials are grilling him. The IT officials have not spared the minister's kith and kin too. Even his father-in-law Thimmaiah was raided in Mysuru.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told the Parliament on Wednesday that there was no link to the Gujarat elections and the raid.
These sudden developments have now put the future of Gujarat legislators in question. These legislators were severely criticised for 'holidaying' in Bengaluru when their state was reeling under floods. But they simply defended their stand stating "BJP is trying to poach some of us. So, we are here to stay united." But now with the IT raid on the minister and his reputation coming under the scanner, what would be the next move of the Gujarat Congress legislators will have to wait and watch.
