Bengaluru, 16 September

AICC leader Randeep Singh Surjewala on Wednesday alleged that PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi was being targeted by the ED because he is the "tallest leader" of ST and poorer communities in Karnataka.

“The story of the hounding and prosecution of senior Congress leaders, particularly, the BJP's revengeful attitude against SC/ST leaders is now stale. Satish Jarkiholi has been targeted a second time now by the BJP government. BJP State leaders are hostile to Jarkiholi, and they tell their masters in Delhi to raid Jarkiholi,” Surjewala said in response to a question, adding that Jarkiholi is known in neighbouring states as well. 

He alleged that the ED is targeting AHINDA leaders. 

Speaking to reporters, here he listed the raids conducted by central agencies on several Congress leaders and ministers in the state including C M D K Shivakumar.

“BJP thinks they can intimidate us, they can make us bow down. They are sadly mistaken…  The entire party stands in solidarity with Satish Jarkiholi, and with all our leaders," he added.

Surjewala lauded B Nagendra for voluntarily resigning over allegations of embezzlement. 

"On the other side, sanction for prosecution is awaited against HD Kumaraswamy, Renukacharya (BJP leader), and Janardhan Reddy (BJP MLA). Why is the Governor not giving section for prosecution there. This has been pending for years," he said.