District In-charge Minister Satish Jarakiholi stated clearly that both I and my daughter Priyanka, representing Chikkodi Lok Sabha constituency, will not be participating in the elections for the Belgaum Lok Sabha constituency.
Addressing reporters in the city on Thursday, he mentioned that his daughter Priyanka Jarakiholi will not be a candidate in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The decision has been made to allocate tickets to grassroots workers in the Chikkodi constituency, where there are numerous aspirants within the Congress. Additionally, with active party members in place, no one from their family will be entering the competition. Finalizing two candidates for the Belgaum and Chikkodi constituencies, he clarified that the ultimate decision rests with the high command.
In response to media inquiries, he addressed the circulating rumors in the district suggesting that hindering Satish Jarakiholi’s candidacy in the Lok Sabha election would facilitate others. While confirming discussions about the possibility of him stepping back, he emphasized that he won’t run with the specific aim of providing an opportunity to dedicated party workers.
Responding to inquiries about caste considerations in ticket allocation for Belgaum and Chikkodi constituencies, the minister clarified that the primary focus is on identifying winning and popular candidates before delving into caste calculations. The initial step is to compile a list of candidates for the two constituencies. Two individuals, including Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar’s son, have been recommended to the High Command. The ultimate decision will hinge on survey results, and the candidate with the most favorable standing will be fielded in the end.
Meetings at the grassroots level are underway to ensure the success of candidates in both constituencies. Workers will be responsible for raising awareness about our government’s guarantee schemes. The official announcement of candidates is expected within the next week.
Opportunities are being provided to newcomers, specifically ordinary workers, in the Chikkodi constituency. The minister expressed the need for a new generation to emerge, emphasizing the limited chances for powerful women, particularly in their field.
In response to reporters’ inquiries about the inquiry into illicit food tax shops, the minister stated that the investigation into the construction of unauthorized food tax shops under the Public Works Department’s jurisdiction is progressing. Notices have been issued at the authority level, and they are awaiting a response. He acknowledged that encountering legal issues at the government level is routine and assured efforts to address and resolve them.
The state government has procured land for national highway construction, and discussions with Union Highway Minister Nitin Gadkari have taken place on five occasions regarding the project. In light of these developments, the foundation stone for the highway construction has been officially laid.