UT Khader rejects allegations of Congress leaders complaining to ED against minister Satish Jarkiholi

UT Khader. | Photo credit: File photo

Health Minister UT Khader rejected allegations by some BJP leaders that some Congress leaders were behind the ED searches at Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi’s house.

“These are baseless allegations. Our party has no intention of hitting anyone. All Congress leaders remain united, regardless of any malicious propaganda. Key leaders of the party – including Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Mr. Jarkiholi, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G. Parameshwari – are united,” Mr. Khader said on Sunday, September 3, in Gadag. He was there to attend a function organized by the family of Congress leader HK Patil.

Reacting to Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s statement regarding the possibility of ED searches in the houses of three or four other ministers, Mr. Khader said there was no need to give any other meaning to the Chief Minister’s words. “He was simply pointing out that the BJP is indulging in vendetta politics,” he said.

“The Congress party does not entertain the idea of ​​engaging in vendetta or target-based politics. Investigating agencies must function within the law. But the BJP is misusing these central agencies to target anyone for political motives, which is inappropriate,” he said.

“About 98% of the ED raids are against members of Congress. However, by the time the investigation is over, 90% of the cases are dropped. There is a conviction in only 10% of the cases,” he said.

On hotel inspections, the Minister said it was necessary for Health Department officials to carry out these inspections in the interest of public health. “The public can lodge complaints about the quality of food in hotels. There is also a facility to lodge complaints through the barcode system. On receipt of a complaint, officials will immediately visit the site, conduct an inspection and take necessary action,” he said.

Published – 13 Sep 2026 20:27 IST