Satish Jarkiholi cancels Delhi visit amid CM change buzz; says no discussion on KPCC leadership yet

Satish Jarkiholi: Amid growing speculation over a possible change in the Chief Minister’s post in Karnataka, Minister Satish Jarkiholi, who is reportedly eyeing the KPCC president’s position, has cancelled his planned trip to Delhi. The minister stated that he dropped the visit as senior Congress leaders are currently occupied with the Bihar Assembly elections.

Speaking to reporters in Hukkeri today, Jarkiholi clarified, “I am not going to Delhi now. I will stay here. I will go to the national capital only when necessary.”

When asked about discussions on a possible change in the KPCC presidency, the minister said, “There has been no discussion so far regarding the change of KPCC president. When it happens, we will see. I have no information about cabinet expansion either.” He also said he was unaware of any meeting between Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge.

Commenting on a statement made by a Bihar Congress leader who said “D.K. Shivakumar will be the next CM”, Jarkiholi dismissed it as an emotional comment. “There is no special significance in that. Supporters often speak out of admiration. It’s just that,” he said.

On the ongoing farmers’ protest in Belagavi district demanding a fair price for sugarcane, the minister said he had asked the Deputy Commissioner to hold talks with factory representatives. “Discussions are going on, but no conclusion has been reached yet. I have instructed officials to take a quick decision. The protest is only to draw the government’s attention. It’s our government — we will resolve it soon,” he assured.

Addressing the recent food poisoning incident at Hirekodi Morarji Residential School, which occurred for the second time, Jarkiholi alleged that the problem might be due to negligence or deliberate actions by some staff. “There is suspicion that food may have been intentionally contaminated. I have directed the police to investigate the matter thoroughly,” he said.

The minister also expressed displeasure over the MES (Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti) creating disturbances during Kannada Rajyotsava, reiterating his earlier statement that the government will hold a serious discussion on imposing a ban on MES activities in Karnataka.

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