Minister Satish Jarkiholi announced that action will be taken against Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) leaders who participated in an unauthorized ‘black day’ rally in the city on Friday. Speaking to the media after inaugurating the Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations at the district stadium, Jarkiholi emphasized that no permission was granted for the rally, and thus legal measures would be pursued. He also noted that there is no need to ban the MES, as it is largely inactive and only gains attention during ‘black day’ events. “Banning it could risk reviving its presence, so it’s best to disregard it,” he added.
Jarkiholi assured government grants for Kannada Rajyotsava festivities in Belagavi, noting that large crowds from across the state typically attend. This year, the district administration provided all necessary facilities for the event. Regarding the upcoming winter session at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha (SVS-Belagavi) on December 9, he mentioned that preparations are underway, with fewer protests anticipated this year.
He also highlighted a special program planned in Belagavi in December to mark the 100th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi chairing the 39th National Congress Session in the city. The government has allocated Rs 2 crore for the event, with additional funds available if needed. A meeting, led by Tourism Minister HK Patil, will soon outline the program details, with separate events by the Congress party.
On the government’s ongoing commitments, Jarkiholi confirmed that schemes like the Shakti scheme, which allows free bus travel for women, will continue without disruption, echoing Deputy CM DK Shivakumar’s recent statements. Addressing the recent deaths of 41 newborns at Belagavi’s BIMS Hospital, Jarkiholi said the BIMS director would provide a full report during the ZP KDP meeting on November 5.
During the Kannada Rajyotsava celebration, several Kannada activists and journalists received the district-level Rajyotsava award. MP Jagadish Shettar, MLAs Asif Sait and Abhay Patil, and MLCs Sabanna Talawar and Channaraj Hattiholi were in attendance.
