He further said that the raids on Mr. Jarkiholi were not unexpected. “I have warned my Ministers and MLAs to prepare for raids by Central agencies. I feel they will raid around 40 MLAs and Ministers,” he said. “We do not fear investigation. But we condemn making false allegations and misusing Central agencies to mislead the people,” he said.
Mr. Shivakumar further questioned why agencies like the ED never raid BJP politicians. “Why hasn’t the ED taken up a probe into the scandal at Bhovi Development Corporation or other scams where BJP politicians are involved?” he questioned.
To divert attention
The Chief Minister also said that the raids came on the eve of his government completing 100 days on September 10, and these are “clearly politically timed” to hinder efforts by the government to tell people its achievements in these 100 days.
“Our party and government are being targeted from all quarters. These raids are done to divert the attention of people away from the achievements of our government,” he said.
Mr. Shivakumar said that while he cannot vouch for the family members and associates of Mr. Jarkiholi, he said he was confident that Mr. Jarkiholi was an honest man and he would defend himself before the Central agency. “He and his family members do have business interests and that is not illegal, even if it is in foreign countries. He will provide suitable documents and defend himself,” Mr. Shivakumar said.
