Karnataka Legislative Assembly Deputy Opposition Leader Arvind Bellad has demanded the resignation of Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi until an Enforcement Directorate investigation into reported searches linked to him and his associates is completed.
Speaking at a press conference in Hubballi on Sunday, Bellad alleged that the searches had brought information about assets, investments and business dealings connected to Jarkiholi and his associates into the public domain. He said the Enforcement Directorate had searched around 18 locations and reported the discovery of more than ₹3 crore in cash and foreign currency.
The claims could not be independently verified from the material available with the report. The supplied report does not include an Enforcement Directorate search document, a formal agency statement or a response from Jarkiholi. The allegations therefore remain attributed to Bellad and have not been established as findings against the minister.
Bellad also alleged that members of Jarkiholi’s family had made substantial investments in foreign companies. He called for the financial details and business links identified during the searches to be examined as part of the investigation.
The opposition leader separately raised questions about a ₹2,477-crore tender issued by the Public Works Department to a company. He alleged that departmental rules may have been violated in awarding the contract and sought an investigation into whether kickbacks, payments or other benefits were involved in the tendering process.
Bellad argued that Jarkiholi’s position as head of the Public Works Department creates a conflict while allegations connected to the department and the minister are being examined. He said the minister should step aside during the investigation and return to office if cleared, while facing punishment if found guilty.
The demand places the focus on the accountability mechanisms governing large public-works contracts. Such tenders involve public money and are administered through departmental procedures, making the distinction between an allegation, an agency finding and a proven violation central to any further action. The supplied report does not provide details of the tender’s scope, contractor, award date, bid process or the department’s response.
Bellad cited the example of former Defence Minister George Fernandes, who, he said, had resigned voluntarily after allegations were made and later returned to office after the allegations were not proved. The reference was used to support his demand for ministerial recusal during the investigation.
At the same press conference, Bellad also sought a special session of at least 10 days to discuss drought conditions and the Kasturirangan report, objecting to the state government’s decision to convene a three-day session. He alleged that drought-affected taluks had been declared without an adequate survey and called for a detailed discussion on the possible effects of implementing the report on communities in the Western Ghats and Malnad regions.
He further demanded a broader investigation into the Karnataka Public Service Commission recruitment irregularities case, saying responsibility should not be limited to two officials and that allegations involving officials, political figures and ministers should also be examined. No further official response to these demands was provided in the report.
