Belagavi: Public Works Department and District In-charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi clarified that he was not invited to the meeting being held by AICC General Secretary In-charge of State Randeep Singh Surjewala with disgruntled Congress MLAs in Bengaluru. However, he said he would be in the state capital for the next two days and may meet Surjewala.
Speaking to reporters here on Monday, Jarkiholi said Surjewala is holding discussions with Congress MLAs who have voiced their grievances and made public statements criticising the party leadership. “NWKRTC Chairman and MLA Bharamgouda (Raju) Kage has been raising demands for irrigation funds in his constituency. Such concerns are expected to be part of the meeting,” he said.
“Though I have not been invited to the meeting, I will be in Bengaluru and could meet Surjewala,” Jarkiholi added.
Delhi trip
On rumours that his recent trip to Delhi was aimed at lobbying for the KPCC president’s post, Jarkiholi denied the speculation. “I went to Delhi along with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to meet President Droupadi Murmu and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for official government work. There was no political agenda behind the visit,” he asserted.
When asked about Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna’s statement that Satish Jarkiholi would soon become the Chief Minister, he declined to comment. “It is his opinion. I cannot respond to statements made by other ministers,” he said.
Reacting to MP Jagadish Shettar’s criticism over not being invited to a meeting of the Renuka Yallamma Temple Development Authority and Tourism Board, Jarkiholi clarified that Shettar was not a member of the committee. “We were not aware that the Centre had released funds for the temple’s development. Had we known, we would have ensured his inclusion in the committee,” he added.
On reports of dissatisfaction over recent transfers of district officials, Jarkiholi refuted the claims. “I have not recommended any specific names. I believe officers should complete their minimum tenure. Most department heads in the district have completed just one or two years, so there is no question of transferring them prematurely,” he said.