Satish Jarkiholi Criticizes One-Man Show Politics, Demands Equal Recognition for All Leaders

Belagavi: Karnataka’s Minister for Public Works, Satish Jarkiholi, has voiced his displeasure over the “one-man show” approach in the state Congress government and emphasized the collective effort that led to the party’s success.

In a media interaction on Sunday, Jarkiholi said that the Congress government was not formed by any one individual’s efforts but was the result of the combined hard work of all party workers, from grassroots leaders to senior figures.

“Congress government was not created by any one individual. It is the collective effort of everyone—from the common worker to senior leaders. We owe our positions as MLAs and Ministers to the 1.25 crore voters who trusted us.

If anyone claims that the government was formed solely by their efforts, I disagree. That is not fair or just,” said Jarkiholi, while indirectly targeting Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who has often been credited for the party’s success.

Jarkiholi further stressed the importance of recognizing the contributions of all Congress leaders, including Dr. G. Parameshwara, who served as the KPCC president for eight years.

“Dr. Parameshwara worked tirelessly during his tenure as the KPCC president, and his efforts played a crucial role in strengthening the party. He too deserves recognition and equal opportunity in the leadership structure,” Jarkiholi added.

Responding to claims that he had ambitions for the Chief Minister’s post, Jarkiholi said, “There is nothing wrong with having such aspirations. Like others, I too have the ambition to serve in the highest capacity.

However, the decision on who becomes the Chief Minister is not mine to make—it is for the high command to decide. I am not one to believe in a one-man show; decisions on leadership will be made by the party’s top leadership,” he clarified.

On the ongoing speculation about the power-sharing agreement between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Jarkiholi dismissed any discussions regarding power transition.

“I have no knowledge of such discussions about a two-and-a-half-year power transfer. If I am called to Delhi for any such talks, I will certainly go, but there has been no official discussion as of now,” he said.

Jarkiholi also took a swipe at the recent comments made by D.K. Shivakumar, who had visited jailed legislators. “There’s nothing unusual about visiting our own party legislators. It’s a normal thing to do. It’s not as if there’s some hidden agenda behind such visits. Everything is in order,” he said.

In a lighter moment, Jarkiholi drew an analogy to highlight his point, referencing the famous 1960 Everest expedition led by Tenzing Norgay. “Tenzing Norgay climbed the Himalayas in 1960, and the world wrote about him.

But there were 14 others with him, and no one remembers their names. It’s the same here—people sometimes forget those who have been equally important,” Jarkiholi remarked, hinting at Shivakumar’s overemphasis on individual credit.

Jarkiholi’s comments indicate growing unrest within the Congress party over leadership and recognition issues, and it remains to be seen how the high command will address these internal tensions.

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