Satish Jarkiholi dismisses talk of 'November revolution'

Bengaluru: Playing down speculations about 'November revolution' and major political changes in Karnataka, especially in the ruling Congress, Minister Satish Jarkiholi on Monday said the party high command would not let any such upheaval take place.

There have been speculations about a change in chief minister in the state when the Congress government reaches the halfway mark of its five-year term in November, which is being referred to by some as "November revolution".

"I have said it many times, I'm not aware of it. It will be decided at the level of the Chief Minister, Deputy CM and party high command. I'm not aware of it, so I cannot say anything about it," Jarkiholi said, responding to a question regarding the cabinet reshuffle and power sharing with leadership change.

Speaking to reporters here, the minister said, "I don't know anything about the November revolution. There is a party, and there is the high command. Why will they let any revolution happen? They will not allow it."

When pointed out that many leaders in the party, including his friend K N Rajanna, repeatedly predicted political changes in November, he said, "Let's wait and see, only a few more days are left."

Downplaying MLC Dr Yathindra's remark, Jarkiholi said he has spoken about leading the AHINDA (Kannada acronym for minorities, backward classes, and Dalits) movement (championed by Siddaramaiah), which is separate from the party and the government. "It has nothing to do with this (CM change)....I have not asked for the CM post or the party (President) post, and he (Yathindra) too did not speak about the CM or party president post," he said.

Asked whether he would stake a claim for the CM's post in 2028, he said, "Let's see when the time comes. Election has to happen, and depending on the situation, a decision will be taken."

To another query about some voices within the party rooting for him to take over as the Karnataka Congress president, Jarkiholi said the party high command will take a call on it. "There is no point in me making any claims....I have not demanded, nor will I do it. I have been given the responsibility as the Minister, and I'm discharging it."

Currently, the state Congress President post is held by Deputy CM D K Shivakumar for an extended tenure.

Responding to a question on the demand for a Dalit CM, Jarkiholi, a leader from the ST community, said, "Many, including me, have said that if an opportunity is given (to Dalit), it will be good. The party will ultimately decide who and from which community."

Asked whether there was a possibility for a Dalit to become CM in the Congress party, he replied, "It may happen in the days ahead. We will have to wait; immediately, there is no such opportunity. We will have to create an opportunity."