ED raids on Jarkiholi’s premises politically motivated, says Hebbalkar

Belagavi: Former Minister and Belagavi Rural MLA Lakshmi Hebbalkar has strongly condemned the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on the residences and offices of Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi, terming the action “politically motivated.”

In a statement, Hebbalkar alleged that the BJP-led union government was misusing central investigative agencies for political purposes and targeting political opponents.“It is not new for the BJP to misuse investigative agencies under its control instead of confronting political opponents through democratic and fair means. The ED raids on the premises of Satish Jarkiholi are also part of the same politically motivated agenda,” she alleged.

Hebbalkar accused the BJP of targeting Congress leaders for political gains as the Congress government in Karnataka continued to implement welfare and development programmes.“Unable to tolerate the people-oriented programmes, development works and achievements of our government, the BJP is targeting Congress leaders politically. Using central agencies such as the ED and CBI against political opponents is not a healthy development for democracy,” she said.

She described Jarkiholi as a senior Congress leader who had made significant contributions to the party and the development of Karnataka.“At a time when attempts are being made to put pressure on him through investigative agencies, the Congress party will stand united and face such attempts,” Hebbalkar said.

She asserted that the Congress would extend its full support to Jarkiholi and would not be intimidated by what she described as political manoeuvring.

“The entire Congress party stands with Satish Jarkiholi. There is no question of being afraid of such political conspiracies. Congress leaders and workers will unitedly face such attempts,” she said.

Hebbalkar also urged central investigative agencies to maintain their autonomy and function in an impartial manner. “Political differences should not be settled through investigative agencies. In a democracy, Opposition parties and political opponents should be confronted politically,” she said

She further warned that attempts to intimidate or politically weaken Congress leaders would not succeed.

“If the BJP believes that it can frighten or threaten Congress leaders and weaken them politically, it is mistaken. Congress will always stand with truth and justice and will unitedly face this political conspiracy,” Hebbalkar said.

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