Mysuru: Karnataka Public Works Minister Sathish Jarkiholi on Friday described the recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) searches linked to him as “completely political”, alleging that BJP leaders had not faced similar raids in the past 14 years.
Speaking to media persons in Mysuru, Jarkiholi said he was aware of who had complained to the ED and the circumstances behind the complaint. He maintained that he was not demoralised by the action and would face the matter politically.
The ED had conducted searches at multiple locations linked to Jarkiholi, his family members and associates earlier this month as part of an investigation into alleged overseas investments, financial irregularities and suspected violations of foreign exchange regulations.
Jarkiholi says he will respond to ED notice
Jarkiholi said he expected that the ED could issue him a notice at any time and that he would respond once he received it.
“I am aware who has complained against me to ED, and with what backdrop they have done it. I am not demoralised. I will face everything politically,” he said.
When asked whether the searches were connected to alleged overseas investments or commission-related allegations, Jarkiholi declined to comment in detail.
“I would not respond to queries if I had invested abroad or not, or if the raid was related to a commission or not now. I will respond to those questions by ED,” he said.
The ED’s searches earlier this month covered properties associated with Jarkiholi, his daughter and Chikkodi MP Priyanka Jarkiholi, his son Rahul Jarkiholi, relatives and associates. The agency has said it was examining alleged undisclosed overseas investments and financial transactions.
Minister responds to financial concerns
Jarkiholi also addressed a letter from the Karnataka Finance Department concerning the availability of funds for government programmes.
He said the communication should not be interpreted as an indication that the state government had become financially bankrupt.
“They have only informed that they do not have funds for new programmes announced. They only have funds enough for implementing programmes announced in the State budget. Such letters to alert any Government on financial status are common. That doesn’t mean Government has become bankrupt,” he said.
According to Jarkiholi, funds allocated to various departments often remain unutilised and can subsequently be diverted towards implementing newly announced programmes.
“Funds of several departments usually remain unutilised. That will be diverted for implementing new programmes announced,” he added.
‘Siddaramaiah is still our captain’
Jarkiholi also spoke about his relationship with former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah amid speculation over political equations within the Congress.
He dismissed suggestions that the political group associated with Siddaramaiah had weakened.
“The army of Siddaramaiah has not been shattered. He is our captain yet and I am still his vice captain. Our relationship is good,” Jarkiholi said.
He added that his interaction with Siddaramaiah had not changed substantially, pointing out that they had not met frequently even in the past and generally met when necessary.
Jarkiholi also referred to a recent meeting with Yathindra Siddaramaiah following the ED searches.
“Yathindra Siddaramaiah met me after the ED raid. It is enough for one person from a family to meet and extend moral support. Not every one need to visit,” he said.
Jarkiholi clarifies Bengaluru convention
On the recent convention held in Bengaluru, Jarkiholi said it should not be described as an AHINDA convention.
“It was the backward class convention held in Bengaluru not AHINDA convention. AHINDA network is strong,” he said.
AHINDA is a political-social formulation associated with the interests of minorities, backward classes and Dalits in Karnataka. Jarkiholi’s comments come amid continuing discussion within the Congress over social coalitions and leadership equations in the state.
‘Let D K Shivakumar become CM in 2028’
Jarkiholi also commented on the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections and the question of the chief ministerial post.
He recalled that he had earlier said he would seek an opportunity to become chief minister in 2028. However, he noted that Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar had also expressed his intention to become chief minister in 2028.
“Earlier I had said if I get opportunity I will become CM in 2028. But now D K Shivakumar has said that he would be the CM in 2028 as well. Let D K Shivakumar become CM in 2028 also. Let the party come to power again because of him. I still have age and I will wait,” Jarkiholi said.
His remarks indicate that he is not seeking to escalate the leadership issue at present and is instead emphasising the Congress’s return to power as the immediate priority.
‘Power of blue shawl is known to entire Nation’
Jarkiholi also responded to comments surrounding the blue shawl associated with him and his supporters.
Asked about its significance, he said its influence was already widely known.
“The power of blue shawl is known to entire Nation. I don’t have to tell much about it. The activists have answered rightly to those who commented about it,” he said.
Jarkiholi’s comments came against the backdrop of political reactions to the ED searches. The agency has said its searches were part of an investigation involving alleged overseas investments and financial transactions, while Jarkiholi has questioned the political motive behind the action.