Belagavi: MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi has refuted claims that he and MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal are attempting to bring K.S. Eshwarappa back to the BJP, clarifying that the decision lies with the party’s national leaders, who expelled Eshwarappa.
Jarkiholi acknowledged a meeting at Eshwarappa’s residence in Bangalore, asserting that discussions centred on advocating for 2A reservation for the Panchamasali community and Scheduled Tribe status for the Kuruba community. He dismissed statements by MLA Raju Gowda regarding the meeting as “completely false.”
Emphasising the nature of the gathering, Jarkiholi stated, “It wasn’t a meeting of BJP dissidents. There was no political discussion about BJP or Congress. We are not trying to topple the Congress government; rather, we focus on securing a majority in the upcoming election.” He further expressed indifference to the actions of BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra, stating their discussions revolve solely around their own strategies.
Addressing questions about the state government’s stance on the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Jarkiholi criticised the government’s obstruction of the CBI’s direct investigation authority. He alleged that the government is acting out of fear, particularly regarding the ongoing investigation into D.K. Shivakumar, suggesting that this is indicative of broader corruption within the state administration.
Jarkiholi concluded by highlighting the involvement of Siddaramaiah in the MUDA scam, urging him to recognise the implications of his actions and the embarrassment caused to the Congress party.