Conflict between D.K. Shivakumar and Satish Jarkiholi Intensifies Amid Growing Political Influence
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Synopsis
The conflict between Karnataka Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar and Minister Satish Jarkiholi is escalating due to Shivakumar's increasing political influence in Jarkiholi's stronghold, Belagavi. Tensions are rising as Jarkiholi challenges Shivakumar's decisions regarding the Hidkal Dam pipeline project, leading to a looming power struggle within the Congress party.
Key Takeaways
- Conflict escalation between Shivakumar and Jarkiholi.
- Shivakumar's influence in Belagavi is growing.
- Jarkiholi's opposition to the Hidkal Dam pipeline project.
- Potential for a significant political showdown in Karnataka.
- Congress party dealing with internal power struggles.
Bengaluru, Jan 29 (NationPress) The conflict between Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi is poised to intensify due to the state Congress President's increasing sway in the minister's core area.
As per insiders, Minister Jarkiholi, a significant ally of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, is preparing for a direct confrontation with Shivakumar, as he is reportedly displeased by the Deputy Chief Minister’s independent approval of the tender process for the Hidkal Dam pipeline project without his consultation.
This dam is situated in Belagavi district, Jarkiholi’s domain.
Sources indicate that the Rs 300 crore initiative, intended to deliver water from Hidkal Dam to industrial sectors in Dharwad city, was sanctioned by Dy CM Shivakumar in his role as Minister for Water Resources.
However, discontented with this action, Jarkiholi has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Belagavi to cease the pipeline project.
This opposition has also stirred discontent among MLAs from the Belagavi district, and Jarkiholi has advised them to hold off until the first week of February before deciding on further steps, as per reports.
Despite being acknowledged as a progressive leader from a marginalized community, Minister Jarkiholi has frequently faced accusations of operating a self-governing entity in the Belagavi region.
His elder brother, Ramesh Jarkiholi, a BJP MLA and former minister, was allegedly implicated by Dy CM Shivakumar in a sensational sex CD scandal, which resulted in his resignation from the Cabinet during the previous BJP administration.
Meanwhile, Dy CM Shivakumar has been supporting Minister for Women and Child Welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar from the Belagavi area, who has been effectively challenging the Jarkiholi family's influence in the region.
Previously, Minister Jarkiholi voiced his ambition to become Chief Minister if the Congress returns to power in the forthcoming elections.
He has also pushed for the establishment of additional Deputy CM roles, a proposal that has annoyed Dy CM Shivakumar.
The Congress high command, which had imposed gag orders on party leaders in Karnataka, is reportedly struggling to manage the ongoing power dispute.
Ramanagara Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain, a close ally of Dy CM Shivakumar, lately mentioned that the high command solely determines the Chief Minister and does not require the opinions of MLAs.
Adding to the conjecture, a notable Jain pontiff recently claimed that Dy CM Shivakumar would become the next CM, irrespective of the situation.
With tensions escalating, sources suggest that Jarkiholi is preparing to publicly contest Dy CM Shivakumar’s increasing influence in Belagavi politics through Laxmi Hebbalkar.
There are significant chances of a major political clash in the state, as indicated by sources.
