Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivkumar’s recent visit to Belagavi raised eyebrows as none of the 11 Congress MLAs from the district were present to welcome him. This visit has fueled increasing frustration among Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi and his supporters, who perceive Shivakumar’s involvement in local politics as interference.
The most recent bone of contention revolves around the transfer of government officials. Satish had transferred an official within the Belagavi Urban Development Authority, only for the same official to be reinstated in their position, reportedly through the influence of Laxmi Hebbalkar. This move has added to Satish’s discontent, particularly as Shivakumar, also the state Congress president, appears to have disregarded his recommendations for appointments in various boards and corporations.
Despite these developments, Shivakumar maintains that there are no underlying conflicts with Satish. He downplays any suggestions that he is facing indifference from his fellow party members.
Shivakumar explained, “Minister Satish Jarkiholi and many other Congress MLAs from Belagavi are either in Bengaluru or Mysuru. Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar is currently occupied with a pre-scheduled program in Bhadravati, while MLA Mahantesh Koujalagi is unwell. My visit to Belagavi was privately arranged and confirmed just the day before.”
