Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar accuses BJP of using ED to target Congress leaders

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday accused the BJP of using the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to target Congress and other Opposition leaders, claiming that he has information that the party was pursuing three to four more leaders for similar raids.

Shivakumar described Wednesday's ED searches linked to Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi and his daughter, Lok Sabha member Priyank Jarkiholi, as politically motivated. The searches came as the Congress government marked 100 days in office under Shivakumar.

Jarkiholi has been conducting his businesses lawfully, Shivakumar said, accusing the BJP of selectively pursuing Opposition leaders while overlooking allegations against its own leaders, including claims of unlawful money transfers and remittances to foreign accounts.


The ED conducted searches at residences and premises linked to Jarkiholi, his family members and his brother-in-law YD Manjunath as part of an investigation into alleged irregularities in the issuance of liquor licences.

The searches were a continuation of an operation conducted by the agency in June at multiple premises in Karnataka in connection with alleged corruption in the excise department. Manjunath, a joint commissioner in the excise department, was among those whose premises were searched in the earlier operation.