Karnataka politics: Ramesh Jarkiholi’s demand for irrigation dept post a plan to settle score with DK Shivakumar

Looking to settle the score for a PLD Bank election loss in which he has high stakes, after sinking the Congress-JDS government by joining the BJP, Jarkiholi now wants to take control of the irrigation department, a post once held by DK Shivakumar.

DK Shivakumar who shares a good understanding with Laxmi Hebbalkar from Belagavi rural joined hands with him to ensure Jarkiholi's candidates faced defeat in the PLD Bank elections.

The rise of Hebbalkar and Shivakumar's interference in Belagavi affairs is what is said to have irked Ramesh Jarkiholi who has been in power in Gokak Assembly constituency for over two decades.

To give a befitting reply to Shivakumar, who was instrumental in stitching a pact with the JD(S) and got control over the Congress in Karnataka and held the irrigation portfolio, Ramesh Jarkiholi wants the same seat from which the Congress member was dethroned

Gaining the portfolio will help Jarkiholi emphasise that the wheel of fortune has turned in his favour. Jarkiholi has not only just demanding the post of irrigation minister but also the same office and official house which was occupied by Shivakumar.

However, BJP says, the demand from Ramesh Jarkiholi is not motivated by political rivalry and nor is it an attempt to settle scores, but rather to become popular as he comes from the district which depends on irrigation.

"Belagavi has been blessed with river Krishna and irrigation is a major source of agriculture. He may want to use this opportunity to make a difference. Earlier, Shivakumar held this department and gained it through influence and he did not deserve it," said Vaman Acharya, BJP spokesperson. 

• Belagavi
• Ramesh Jarkiholi
• Congress
• jds