Patil Calls ED Raid on Jarkiholi's Residence Politically Motivated
Karnataka Minister Sharan Prakash Patil says the ED raid on PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi's home was politically driven and accuses the BJP of double standards on corruption.
Karnataka Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil has described the Directorate of Enforcement's raid on the residence of Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi as politically motivated, and accused the Union government of deploying central investigating agencies against its political opponents.
Speaking to reporters in Yadgir on Friday, Dr. Patil said the Modi government has been trying to silence dissenting voices by initiating raids through the ED and the Income Tax Department. He alleged that the action against Mr. Jarkiholi was carried out at the behest of the BJP and the Union government, and that it was driven by political considerations rather than any genuine case.
Dr. Patil also rejected the BJP's criticism of the Congress government in Karnataka, arguing that the party lacked the moral standing to raise corruption allegations. He claimed the BJP was itself embroiled in multiple corruption cases during its time in power in the State, and said the charges it has levelled against the incumbent government are entirely without basis.
The remarks add to the ongoing friction between the State government and the Centre over the use of central agencies, with the raid on a sitting Cabinet minister's home becoming the latest flashpoint.