Arvind Bellad seeks Satish Jarkiholi’s resignation

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Arvind Bellad, BJP MLA and Deputy Leader of Opposition in the State Legislative Assembly, has sought the resignation of Satish Jarkiholi, Public Works Minister, who is facing allegations of corruption after a search by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Mr. Bellad told reporters in Hubballi on Sunday (September 13) that Mr. Jarkiholi should resign to enable smooth conduct of investigation by ED officers. He said that former Union Minister George Fernandes had resigned after allegations were made against him. He subsequently return as a Minister when the charges were not proved. “Mr. Jarkiholi should follow the same course,” he said.

“The ED has conducted searches at around 18 locations linked to Mr. Jarkiholi, his family members and associates over the past few days. It has an issued a press release saying officers found over ₹3 crore in cash and foreign currency in his house. They have also uncovered evidence of large-scale corruption in the Public Works Department,” said Mr. Bellad.

He added that preliminary investigation has revealed that the Jarkiholi family had made large investments in foreign companies through proceeds of corruption. “We demand a thorough investigation into the source and destination of such investments, possible kickbacks in awarding the tenders, and whether money or other benefits were provided to anyone against considerations,” he said.

Mr. Bellad said it was improper for a Minister to head a department while an investigation was under way there. “Mr. Jarkiholi could become a Minister again if found innocent, and if found guilty, he should be punished according to law,” the BJP MLA stated.

Mr. Bellad denied the role of the BJP in the searches. “Mr. Jarkiholi said his own party members could have lodged a complaint with the ED. However, determining whether public money was misused is more important than who lodged the complaint,” he said.

The BJP MLA demanded a 10-day special session to discuss the State’s drought situation and the Kasturirangan report. “The three-day session is inadequate. The declaration of drought-hit taluks has not been done properly. Many taluks in Dharwad, my own district, have not been included in the list of drought-hit taluks. Farmers are facing deep distress due to lack of rains, and a comprehensive discussion should be held on this,’’ he said. Similarly, he pushed for discussions on the Kasturirangan report, saying it is likely to affect the lives of the people of the Western Ghats and Malnad areas.

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