BELAGAVI: The most powerful political family of Belagavi district — the Jarkiholis — appears a divided house. The political aspirations of five brothers, of whom three are sitting MLAs and two are ticket aspirants, are causing a wider rift between the brothers.
The spat between brothers Satish and Ramesh Jarkiholi has now become a big headache for the Congress which is trying its best to pacify the duo. The tussle between Satish and Ramesh began after Satish’s portfolio was changed to Small Scale Industries from Excise.
Once a close aide of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Satish walked out of the camp in despair. He had openly said that he was being sidelined by Lakshmi Hebbalkar, the KPCC Women’s Wing president, and his brother Ramesh.
Satish is also unhappy with Siddaramaiah recently announcing that Lakhan Jarkiholi, the youngest brother, would be given a ticket from Yemkanamaradi, which he represents.
While Satish feels Ramesh was misleading party workers, the latter claims that Satish can win from any district and the younger brother Lakhan needs a safe seat. Rumours are thick that Satish, along with another brother Balachandra, may join JD(S).