Jarkiholi Meets Hariprasad Amid ED Searches, Calls It Routine Party Discussion

Bengaluru, Sept 13: Karnataka Minister Satish Jarkiholi met KPCC president B K Hariprasad at the Congress party office here on Saturday, shortly after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches linked to him, triggering speculation over the political significance of the meeting.

Jarkiholi, however, described the meeting as a routine party discussion and said the ED searches were not discussed. Speaking to reporters, he said the talks primarily focused on the appointment of district Congress presidents and other organisational matters.

The meeting assumed significance as it came soon after the ED action against Jarkiholi. Congress leaders have alleged that central investigating agencies are being selectively used against leaders of the ruling party and have raised concerns over what they describe as the targeting of Dalit leaders.

Jarkiholi has said he would respond to the allegations made by the ED and the material cited by the agency.

The meeting also reportedly covered organisational preparations for the 2028 Assembly elections, including efforts to strengthen the Congress in reserved constituencies. Jarkiholi, a prominent Congress leader from Belagavi, has been playing an important role in strengthening the party's organisation in the region.

The discussions are expected to continue as the Congress works on its strategy to retain its hold over reserved constituencies and take on the BJP ahead of the 2028 elections.

The timing of the meeting, against the backdrop of the ED searches, has nevertheless generated considerable political interest within the Karnataka Congress.