Satish Jarikholi likely to be Congress candidate for Belgaum LS bypoll
Bengaluru, Mar 20: The Congress in Karnataka is said to have shortlisted the name of its working president Satish Jarkiholi as the candidate for the Belgaum Lok Sabha bypoll, with the state party chief on Saturday stating that one name has been recommended to the high command.
"We have recommended one name to the high command," state Congress president D K Shivakumar told reporters after a meeting of senior leaders.
To a question about Satish Jarkiholi being the pick, he said the party's decision is based on who is best suited to contest.
At the meeting the party has also planned its strategy for the April 17 bypolls and distribution of responsibilities.
With one name being recommended, it is almost certain that Satish Jarkiholi will be the candidate from Belgaum, party sources said.
Satish is currently the MLA of Yamkanmaradi assembly segment.
The bypoll was necessitated by the death of Union Minister Suresh Angadi of the BJP due to COVID-19 in September last year.
It will be held along with the by-elections to the Basavakalyan and Maski assembly segments on April 17, and counting of votes will take place on May 2.
The Congress had recently announced Mallamma, widow of legislator B Narayan Rao who died of COVID-19 in September last year, for Basavakalyan, while Basanagouda Turvihal, who recently joined the party, is its candidate in Maski segment.
Expressing confidence about winning the three seats, Shivakumar said, "We have faith in voters.They have decided that they need a change."
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
