Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Surjewala Backs Jarkiholi, Takes Responsibility for Missing Woman Minister
Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala said his party supports Karnataka Minister Satish Jarkiholi during Enforcement Directorate raids linked to him.
He claimed that central investigation agencies are being used against Congress leaders.
He especially said many targeted leaders belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe communities.
The article does not include a response from the agencies or the leaders Surjewala criticized.
Karnataka's Cabinet currently has no woman minister.
Surjewala said this was his responsibility, not the responsibility of Congress leaders in Delhi.
He said several women were being considered, which had delayed the decision.
Congress MLC Gayathri Shantegowda later met Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar as the party continued discussing the appointment.
Randeep Singh Surjewala backed Karnataka Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi amid Enforcement Directorate raids linked to him.
Surjewala alleged central agencies target Congress leaders, particularly those from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities.
He accused the Enforcement Directorate, Central Bureau of Investigation and Income Tax Department of political misuse near elections.
Surjewala accepted responsibility for Karnataka having no woman minister and promised a decision after consultations.
Congress MLC Gayathri Shantegowda met Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar as discussions continued over the vacant Cabinet berth.
- Who
- Congress General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, Minister Satish Jarkiholi, and other Karnataka Congress leaders.
- What
- Surjewala defended Jarkiholi against ED raids, alleged political misuse of central agencies, and accepted responsibility for the vacant woman minister position.
- When
- Wednesday; the article does not specify the date.
- Where
- Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- Why
- Surjewala said the raids reflected political targeting and that the woman minister appointment had been delayed because multiple candidates were seeking the position.
- Main party
- Indian National Congress
- Minister supported
- Satish Jarkiholi, Karnataka's Public Works Minister
- Agency involved
- Enforcement Directorate
- Representation issue
- Karnataka's Cabinet has no woman minister
- Stated responsibility
- Randeep Singh Surjewala said the delay was his responsibility, not the Congress high command's.
- Appointment status
- The woman minister's Cabinet berth remains vacant.
- Recent meeting
- Congress MLC Gayathri Shantegowda met Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar in Bengaluru.