ED raid on Satish Jarkiholi politically motivated, says Laxmi Hebbalkar

MLA and former Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar has strongly condemned the raids conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on the residences and offices of Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi.

In a release, Ms. Hebbalkar alleged that the ED raid against Mr. Jarkiholi and his family members were politically motivated and that the BJP government at the Centre was using investigative agencies for political purposes.

“Instead of confronting political opponents in a democratic and fair manner, the BJP is misusing the investigative agencies. The ED raids on Mr. Jarkiholi’s residences are also part of a similar political tactic. The Congress government in Karnataka is providing a pro-people governance, and such raids are being carried out with the aim of gaining political gains as the BJP cannot tolerate the government’s achievements,” she said.

“The BJP is unable to tolerate our pro-people schemes and programmes, development works and other achievements. It is politically targeting Congress leaders. Using agencies like ED and CBI to confront political opponents is not a healthy trend in a democracy,” she said.

“Mr. Jarkiholi is a senior Congress leader and has contributed to the development of the party and the State. The Congress will stand united against attempts to put pressure on him through investigative agencies. The entire party will stand with Mr. Jarkiholi. There is no question of being afraid of such political machinations. Congress leaders and workers will stand united against such attempts,” Ms. Hebbalkar said.

The investigative agencies should maintain their autonomy and act impartially. There should not be any attempt to resolve political differences through investigative agencies. In a democracy, opposition parties and political opponents should be confronted politically. It seems the BJP is under the illusion that it can intimidate the Congress leaders and weaken them politically, but it will never suceed. Congress will always stand for truth and justice. We will stand united against such vindictive politics,” she said.