Satish Jarkiholi has all qualities to be Chief Minister, says M.B. Patil
clarifies CM post not vacant
Bengaluru: Minister for Large and Medium Industries M.B. Patil has said that Satish Jarkiholi possesses all the qualities required to become Chief Minister of Karnataka but clarified that the Chief Minister’s post is not vacant at present.
Addressing reporters in Bengaluru on Thursday, Patil said he was unaware of the context behind Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s recent statement about Jarkiholi but stressed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s leadership continues to be essential for the Congress.
“This may be the last election for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, but his leadership will continue to be needed in the future,” Patil said.
He added that the Congress cannot go into the next assembly election without Siddaramaiah leading the party. “Satish Jarkiholi is one of our senior leaders. In our party, decisions are not made by individuals like D.K. Shivakumar, M.B. Patil, or Satish Jarkiholi alone — the final decision rests with the party high command,” he stated.
Patil further said that no one can self-declare as Chief Minister. “Consensus among MLAs and the people’s confidence are essential. There are many capable and deserving leaders in Karnataka, but the high command will take the final call,” he noted.
When asked about a possible cabinet reshuffle, Patil said the decision too lies with the party leadership. “Our AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge is based in Sadashivanagar, so the high command’s presence is strong in Bengaluru. Allocation of portfolios is the Chief Minister’s prerogative — we can express our preferences, but we cannot demand specific ministries,” he added.
Earlier this week, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and a Member of the Legislative Council, sparked internal debate in the Congress after stating that his father was in the final phase of his political career and that Karnataka now needed a leader with a “progressive and ideological vision.”
Speaking at an event in Belagavi, Yathindra had said that Satish Jarkiholi embodied those qualities and was capable of leading the state with integrity and conviction, a remark widely seen as an indirect endorsement of Jarkiholi as a potential future Chief Minister.
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Udhayanidhi accuses BJP of not releasing funds for TN
Gobichettipalayam (PTI): Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Saturday charged the BJP government at the Centre with not releasing funds to the state and accused it of "snatching" TN's rights.
Addressing a poll rally at Gobichettipalayam in the western Erode district, the DMK youth wing chief claimed the Centre has not released funds to the tune of Rs 3,000 crore for education.
"They (union government) have snatched all our rights," he charged.
With regard to the Centre's proposal for delimitation, he said chief minister M K Stalin was the first person in the country to raise the voice against the union government's move. He claimed that it was a "huge victory" for the INDIA alliance, as the bill was defeated for lack of majority after the opposition voted against it in the Lok Sabha.
Listing out various welfare measures implemented by the DMK government, he said the existing "Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai" (monthly financial assistance for women) will be doubled to Rs 2,000 if DMK was voted to power again.
The deputy chief minister charged that the BJP and AIADMK have tried to stall it by moving the court. "At present more than 1.3 crore women have benefited from the scheme", he said.
"Similarly, the breakfast scheme for the government school students will be extended till Class VIII", he said adding "more than 35 lakh college students across the state will be getting free laptops once the DMK government is formed".
Udhayanidhi also pointed out at the "Illatharasi" poll promise, providing Rs 8,000 worth of coupons to non-income tax paying women where they could buy or replace any household appliances of their choice.
Elections to 234 Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu will be held on April 23 and the results declared on May 4 following counting of polled votes.
