During a Dussehra event held in Nandgaon village, Athani taluk, Belgaum district, former Minister Ramesh Jarakiholi voiced his concerns regarding his brother, Minister Satish Jarkiholi, who currently serves in Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s cabinet. Ramesh Jarakiholi expressed his worries about the alleged harassment faced by his brother, emphasizing the need for good governance and cooperation among the 224 MLAs, even in the opposition party.
Reflecting on his own past as a rebel within the Congress party, Ramesh Jarakiholi recalled the challenges he encountered during his tenure as a minister under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. He noted that those who once criticized him have since gained a better understanding of the circumstances. While he refrained from speculating on the government’s future, he underscored the importance of effective governance.
Jarakiholi also commented on the changes he has observed in Chief Minister Siddaramaiah since 2013, highlighting a perceived shift in Siddaramaiah’s public speaking skills and efficiency. He mentioned his recent personal interaction with former minister Jagdish Shettar, emphasizing that it was not a political discussion but a meeting with a respected figure.
Ramesh Jarakiholi’s visit to Nandgaon village garnered enthusiastic support from his followers and sparked political speculation, particularly regarding the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. His entry into the Athani constituency has ignited discussions about the region’s political landscape.
In a statement, Ramesh Jarkiholi questioned the state of affairs within the Karnataka Congress, noting that his brother, Satish Jarkiholi, who is closely associated with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, is facing challenges similar to those he experienced during his own rebellion within the Congress government. He also expressed his concerns about the perceived changes in Siddaramaiah’s leadership style and suggested that the Chief Minister might be facing certain constraints in his current role.
Furthermore, Ramesh Jarkiholi clarified his recent meeting with Jagadish Shettar, emphasizing that it was a non-political encounter with a senior leader. He acknowledged that he regularly meets with Shettar and that their recent meeting, which was previously undisclosed, was unrelated to Shettar’s departure from their party.