Satish Jarkiholi says there are no differences with Siddaramaiah

Congress workers and supporters of Satish Jarkiholi felicitated Public Works Minister and MLA Asif (Raju) Sait at the Congress office in Belagavi on Monday. | Photo credit: PK BADIGER

Minister Satish Jarkiholi denied that there were differences between him and former chief minister Siddaramaiah.

“We have always had excellent relations and continue to do so. Reports of differences between us are far from the truth. Some vested interests are trying to create a rift between us and our followers by posting messages on social media. We have lodged a police complaint against them and the police are investigating,” Mr Jarkiholi said in Belagavi on Monday.

He was speaking after congratulating workers at the Congress office.

When asked, he said that this is not the first time that vested interests have tried to target leaders from underprivileged communities. He said it is natural for opponents to spread misinformation whenever they get the chance. “But we should grow as leaders, despite all such attempts,” he said.

“The main reason why G. Parameshwar was appointed Deputy Chief Minister is Mr. Siddaramaiah’s efforts and support. The former Chief Minister always supports his followers and loyalists. He has always worked hard to provide suitable positions in the party and government to his supporters, including myself and Dr. Parameshwar,” he said in response to a query.

“Competition for party posts among leaders does not mean that there is ill will between them. Now that Dr. Parameshwar has become the Deputy Chief Minister, we should celebrate it. He is among our senior leaders and we should be happy about it,” he said.

“It is true that I was an aspirant for the post of KPCC president. Some of my followers wanted me to become a deputy minister. But I became a minister and my old portfolio continues. In fact, the party considered me one of the top five or six members of the cabinet whenever we came to power. I am happy and not angry. But there are always opportunities for us to be promoted to the post of KPCC chief or other posts. wait and see that those who wait good things are happening,” he said.

“BK Hariprasad, who has been chosen as the KPCC chief, is an experienced leader and committed to the party ideology. We will all accept his leadership and work with him,” he said.

“Earlier there was no One Person, One Post rule. That’s why leaders like DK Shivakumar were given multiple posts. But now the rule is there and that’s why I was appointed as a minister only. We should respect the party’s decision. The party has treated us better than we expected,” he said.

He said there was no need to attach much importance to the earlier statement by the MLC and his younger brother Lakhan Jarkiholi that the Congress would lose badly if Mr. Siddaramaiah was removed as Chief Minister.

“The statement is his personal opinion and details or clarifications need to be obtained from him. But then he is not the only one who has made them; several BJP leaders have also said so,” he said.

He said there was no vacuum in the leadership of AHINDA in the state. “There are several leaders in the organization. It is a social organization, not a political one. It is not just about grabbing power. Those who work with determination and integrity to preserve and strengthen the ideology will be accepted by the masses as AHINDA leaders. There is no dearth of such leaders,” he said.

He said that Belagavi will definitely get another minister. “I have spoken to senior leaders and they have assured us about it. Belagavi is a big district and the political leadership here cannot be ignored. It is also difficult to manage the state with only 14 ministers. We need expansion soon,” said Mr. Jarkiholi.

Published – 08 Jun 2026 19:49 IST