Businesspersons Face Harassment if They Defy Centre, Alleges Priyank Kharge

Karnataka Rural Development and IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge has alleged that businesspersons who do not comply with the directives of the Union government are being targeted and harassed by central agencies such as the Income Tax Department, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) authorities.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Saturday, Kharge made the remarks while commenting on the suicide of businessman C.J. Roy. He claimed that over the past decade, central agencies have increasingly been used as instruments to intimidate entrepreneurs who refuse to fall in line with the Centre’s policies.

“There are numerous instances where businesspersons are subjected to harassment by the ED, IT, and GST departments if they do not toe the Centre’s line,” Kharge alleged. He further claimed that similar scrutiny is not applied to certain large corporate groups, naming industrialists such as Ambani and Adani. According to him, instead of being investigated, policies are often altered to benefit and expand the businesses of select corporates.

Referring to the death of C.J. Roy, the minister said the incident highlights the severe pressure faced by business owners. “When a businessman is driven to suicide, it reflects the extent of harassment involved. This pressure is not limited to big industrialists; even ordinary citizens are facing similar issues,” he said.

Kharge added that the allegations of harassment were not being made by him alone but had also been raised by the family of the deceased businessman. He called for a comprehensive investigation into the case to determine the role of central agencies and to ensure accountability.