Satish Jarkiholi, Minister and Congress leader, stated in Hukkeri on April 21 that the BJP’s attempts to politicize the Hubballi murder case would not diminish the Congress’s prospects of success.
Jarkhioli mentioned that it wasn’t the first instance of the BJP politicizing such incidents, noting that they had done so on numerous occasions in the past. He criticized their tendency to ignore similar incidents that occurred during their own rule, citing examples such as the rape and murder of Manisha Walmiki in Uttar Pradesh and the case of Gangamma in Vijayapura district during BJP’s rule in Karnataka. He remarked that the BJP often exploits various issues for political gains but asserted that they would not succeed in their endeavors. In response to a question regarding the BJP’s campaign about the safety of Hindu girls under Congress rule, he dismissed it as another one of the BJP’s age-old political strategies, expressing confidence that such tactics would not be effective. He emphasized the rapid development of the state and the implementation of welfare measures like the Congress guarantees, expressing certainty that the people would see through the BJP’s deceitful tactics.
Jarkhioli mentioned that the BJP’s attempt to use the Hubballi case as an election issue would not impact the Congress. He expressed confidence that voters would prioritize real issues over emotional propaganda.
He stated that the crime was reprehensible and deserved strong condemnation. He emphasized the importance of the offender receiving maximum punishment according to the law. However, he clarified that the incident was a dispute between two individuals and not a political matter. He asserted that there was no connection between the murder and the elections, noting that the truth would emerge following the police investigation.
Regarding claims that the Congress government would collapse after the elections, he dismissed them as baseless propaganda by the BJP. He highlighted that similar propaganda attempts by the BJP in the past had failed. He reaffirmed the Congress’s majority and determination to complete their term.
Satish noted that the BJP was also spreading falsehoods about the cessation of guarantee schemes after the Lok Sabha polls. He remarked that the BJP’s rhetoric regarding the guarantees had an unexpected outcome. It resulted in increased publicity for the guarantee schemes. He expressed confidence in his daughter, Priyanka Jarkiholi, and her prospects of winning from Chikkodi. He highlighted the longstanding commitment of the Jarkiholi family to serving the people for over three decades. He expressed certainty that the next generation, including Priyanka, would uphold this legacy. He mentioned that Priyanka was already involved in charitable initiatives through the Satish Jarkiholi Foundation and other organizations.
Jarkhioli stated that if elected, Priyanka would fulfill her social and political duties effectively. He noted her ongoing efforts in rural areas and dedication to serving the underprivileged for the past 4-5 years. He asserted that she would continue these efforts and work diligently for the constituency’s development and the welfare of its residents using her political influence.
Satish remarked that Chikkodi had seen development thanks to the efforts of leaders like former minister Prakash Hukkeri, but emphasized the need for further progress. He pledged to continue the development of the region if elected, highlighting the Congress’s commitment to supporting the underprivileged and the state’s development, which, he asserted, was evident in their actions.
He expressed his belief that there was no Modi wave in the district and emphasized that the election was not about the Modi factor versus Congress guarantees, but rather about the two candidates themselves.
