BELAGAVI: It appears that former minister Satish Jarkiholi is getting ready to quit the Congress for greener pastures. His intervention in the Belagavi APMC polls has led to the defeat of Congress in the district politics.
Laxmi who unsuccessfully contested from Belagavi Rural in 2013 is planning to contest from the same seat and with the help of Jarkiholi brothers, she managed to ensure victory of six APMC members.
However, the recent Income Tax raid on her and Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi’s houses and firms have spoiled her political relations with Satish Jarkiholi. As just three additional votes were required to grab power in the APMC, Laxmi and Ramesh were confident of installing their candidates. However, Satish with the help of former mayor Sunthakar and MLA Sanjay Patil defeated Laxmi’s candidates. Satish joining hands with MLA Patil has stunned both Congress and BJP. Sources said if Satish Jarkiholi joins the JD(S), he will ensure the decline of the Congress in the district.