Bengaluru: Enforcement Directorate searches at the premises of PWD minister Satish Jarkiholi, his daughter and Chikkodi MP Priyanka Jarkiholi and their associates have added a new dimension to Congress’ internal wrangling and has shone the spotlight on Jarkiholi’s political future ahead of the 2028 elections.Popularly known as Sahukars in Belagavi, the Jarkiholi family is one of the most politically influential in north Karnataka. Satish’s brothers Ramesh and Balachandra are BJP MLAs, while another, Lakhan, served as an MLC. Bhimshi, another sibling, has remained relatively less active in electoral politics.For BJP, the searches provide an opportunity to target Congress over alleged financial and administrative irregularities. Congress, meanwhile, has rallied behind Satish and accused the Centre of using investigative agencies against political opponents.A prominent ST face of Congress, Satish has considerable influence among the Valmiki community and in parts of north Karnataka where the ST population is significant. His family’s political network also cuts across party lines.The raids assume significance because of Satish’s own political ambitions. He has indicated that he aspires to become CM and shoulder a larger role in Congress beyond his current ministerial position. His daughter had also said in 2024 that her father would seek the CM’s post in 2028.The searches could have a bearing on his long-term political plans. MN Patil, political analyst, said: “The political damage will depend on what the ED finds. If the investigation produces substantial evidence, BJP will gain ammunition to attack the govt and Jarkiholi personally and seek his resignation as they with former minister B Nagendra. If the searches fail to produce a decisive breakthrough, Congress will likely intensify its political vendetta campaign.”The development could also alter the equation between Shivakumar and Satish. While Satish was once regarded as a loyalist of former CM Siddaramaiah, the two reportedly fell out after Satish reportedly backed Shivakumar for the CM post.The timing of the ED searches could offer Shivakumar some political breathing space, given Satish’s stated ambition for the CM’s post and Shivakumar’s own interest in continuing in the top job. However, much will depend on the course of the investigation and its political fallout.Chief minister DK Shivakumar said, “The raids are aimed at targeting an influential ST functionary and disrupting the govt’s 100-day celebrations. BJP cannot tolerate Satish’s stature. They earlier raided me and sent me to jail. Now, Satish is being targeted through misuse of central agencies. The govt and party will stand with him 100%.”Home minister Priyank Kharge also backed his cabinet colleague saying, “This is only the beginning. You may see raids at my residence and CM DK Shivakumar’s residence too. As elections near, more of us will be targeted. In six years, 196 raids were conducted, but charges were proved in only two cases. BJP is targeting Congress members because it has lost ground in Karnataka. We will not bend; we will fight.”However BJP MP and former chief minister Jagadish Shettar said: “I have always said ED or CBI searches are based on information gathered by the agencies, not political considerations. We have been alleging corruption in the Congress govt, and the ED raids have proved us right. It will not be surprising if two or three ministers are sacked from DK Shivakumar’s cabinet in the next few months.”
