Satish Jarkiholi, public works minister
Mysuru: Months after signalling that he would be a contender for the chief minister’s post in the 2028 assembly elections, public works minister Satish Jarkiholi changed tack, backing DK Shivakumar to lead Congress into the next election and continue as CM. Sleuths covered 21 premises in connection with a probe under the Foreign Exchange Management Act into alleged overseas investments, cross-border business dealings and financial irregularities. ED said it seized Indian and foreign currency worth about Rs 3.4 crore.
“I had earlier said that I too aspire to become CM in 2028 if I get an opportunity,” he said. Jarkiholi rejected allegations of wrongdoing and said he would respond to any notice issued by the agency. Shivakumar had backed him, describing the searches as “political”. He and I are on good terms,” Jarkiholi said. Referring to a visit by Siddaramaiah’s son Yathindra after the ED searches, Jarkiholi said his relationship with the former CM had always been need-based and that there had been no change in their equation.
“But DK Shivakumar himself is saying that he will continue as CM. Let him. I will wait; age is on my side. The shift comes in the wake of Enforcement Directorate searches at premises linked to him, his family members and associates. He also alleged the ED action was politically motivated. Jarkiholi also sought to signal that his equation with former CM Siddaramaiah remained intact amid speculation of competing power centres within Congress. “Siddaramaiah’s army has not been split. Even now, he is our captain and I am the vice-captain. There should be no doubt about this.