Bengaluru: Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has hit out at the searches by the Enforcement Directorate against Public Works Department minister Satish Jarkiholi saying it is politically motivated and part of a pattern wherein central investigative agencies are being used against opposition leaders.
Kharge’s comments came after the Enforcement Directorate searched around 18 premises of Satish Jarkiholi, his daughter and Chikkodi Lok Sabha MP Priyanka Jarkiholi and others in Karnataka and Maharashtra on Wednesday. These include premises in Bengaluru’s Dollars Colony and other locations related to the Jarkiholi family. Officials said the searches were part of an investigation but further details about the case were awaited.
Priyank Kharge reacted to the development saying when opposition politicians are being investigated why is it only now? Central agencies (ED, IT and CBI) have been used for political purposes so many times.
Kharge said “when you talk of functioning of these agencies, look at the number of searches and the conviction rate (relatively low)”. He had earlier alleged that thousands of searches by ED over a long period have led to less than two per cent convictions. In June he had asked whether such figures could be reconciled with Centre’s claim that the agencies were not under political influence.
The minister’s comments have given a political edge to an investigation that is still going on. Kharge said opposition leaders have been targeted disproportionately by central agencies and that BJP-led central government was using investigative agencies as political tools.
His comments fit into a wider political debate in India over how central investigative agencies work. Opposition parties have repeatedly accused the Centre of selectively targeting political rivals through agencies like ED, CBI and Income Tax Department. Government and agencies say investigations are carried out on evidence and laws applicable.
ED Searches Jarkiholi-Linked Premises
The latest searches of Satish Jarkiholi are part of a fresh probe, officials said. About 18 premises are being searched (including properties belonging to Karnataka minister and his daughter Priyanka Jarkiholi). The case is different from the one against Jarkiholi’s brother-in-law and excise department officer Y.D Manjunath, officials told PTI.
India Today said that the ED action is in connection with irregularities in the issue of bar licences. Financial records and other material are being examined by investigators as part of an investigation into whether there were irregularities in the licensing process or whether any proceeds involved were transferred outside India (allegations still remain under investigation and none of those named have been found to be guilty).
The searches reportedly cover several locations in Bengaluru as well as Belagavi and Maharashtra. Documents and electronic records seized during the operation will be examined as the probe progresses.
Political Battle Over Central Agencies
Priyank Kharge’s criticism is not new. Karnataka minister has accused central investigative agencies of being used as political instruments before. In June he said ED, Income Tax Department and CBI were being deployed whenever politically convenient and statements made by BJP leaders about possible investigations against Congress politicians gave it a perception of political targeting.
In April Kharge also rapped ED searches in another Karnataka case and asked why the agency had taken action after so long. Again he used conviction rate as an example of how investigations should be judged (not by number of searches) but outcomes: “If we want to judge investigation it has to be on outcome not just on number of searches done.”
The controversy will only grow as the Satish Jarkiholi investigation unfolds. For Congress the searches are another opportunity to question Centre on use of central agencies; for investigating authorities the searches are part of a legal process (gathering evidence and establishing whether offences have been committed)
Focus Now on Investigation Findings
The political accusations have been the first reaction but what comes out of the investigation will determine where this stage of the case goes. Searches don’t prove guilt and any allegations against individuals will have to be tested through the legal system.
The ED would review the material collected in the searches to see if further action was needed and if so what charges might be filed. If any charges were filed then they would be subject to judicial review.
For now Priyank Kharge has put the issue squarely in the political debate over central agencies saying action against Satish Jarkiholi is part of a pattern of politically motivated investigations against opposition leaders. BJP and central agencies will respond to allegations when investigation proceeds further.
#WATCH | Bengaluru | Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge says, "The raids on Satish Jarkhioli are politically motivated... Most of the raids have been politically motivated against opposition leaders. Look at the statistics. 196 raids and only two convictions... They want to… pic.twitter.com/OWvgAYa7dq
— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2026
The latest episode once again illustrates how bitterly India’s political parties view the central investigative agencies Satish Jarkiholi searches are likely to remain a major political issue in Karnataka days ahead.
