M.B. Patil Calls ED Searches on Jarkiholi Political Vendetta

Karnataka Minister M.B. Patil on Friday described the recent searches by the Directorate of Enforcement at the properties of his Cabinet colleague Satish Jarkiholi as an act of political vendetta, and accused the Union government of misusing central agencies against its opponents.

In a statement, Patil said agencies such as the ED were being deployed for political ends, and pointed to the searches at Jarkiholi's homes and offices as evidence of that pattern. The raids covered Jarkiholi's residences in Bengaluru and Gokak, as well as the homes of several of his close aides, including his son Rahul and daughter Priyanka.

Patil, who described Jarkiholi as a close associate, said he strongly condemned the action. He argued that the Union government's efforts to pressure Opposition leaders through agencies like the ED, the Income Tax Department and the CBI would not succeed.

He added that the Congress would not be cowed by intimidation, conspiracy or what he termed an abuse of power, and said the party's struggle to protect democracy would continue. The party, he said, stands firmly with Jarkiholi and its voice cannot be silenced by such tactics.