MUMBAI/NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena MP
Sanjay Raut has written to Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu claiming that he was approached by "certain people" for assistance in toppling the MVA government in Maharashtra, and that the Enforcement Directorate was set after him after he refused.
He also alleged at a presser on Wednesday that "ED and other agencies have become part of criminal syndicate of BJP or their masters" and claimed ED officials had interrogated the florist and decorator at his daughter's wedding "at gunpoint."
Raut, who marked copies of his letter to members of all parties, including Congress'
Rahul Gandhi and NCP chief
Sharad Pawar and urged them to speak up, said ED and other central agencies were being systematically deployed to harass opposition parties.
"About a month ago, I was approached by some people and was told to assist them in toppling the MVA government," Raut said.
Referring to land he owns in Alibaug, he said ED was "threatening" people who sold the land to him 17 years ago and "forcing them" to issue statements against him.
He also said, "The florist and decorator at my daughter's wedding was picked up by ED. When asked how much money he got, he said he didn't take any money because he had good ties with my family," he said.