Will Vinay Kulkarni pose a challenge to HK Patil?

Hubballi: Rural development and Panchayat raj minister H.K. Patil is likely to see his influence waning in Dharwad district following induction of Dharwad Rural MLA Vinay Kulkarni into the Cabinet.

Mr Kulkarni is all set to gain more political strength in the district posing a challenge to Mr Patil who had given ‘political birth’ to him by allotting him a ticket in the ZP polls two decades ago. The two-time legislator has since then identified himself with minister D.K. Shivakumar who was once considered a political bete noire of H.K. Patil. Though H.K. Patil is Gadag district in-charge minister, he has been maintaining a good hold on neighbouring districts as well. Mr Kulkarni after winning the ZP poll became its VP. Kulkarni contested the elections to the Legislative Assembly as an independent candidate after he was denied Congress ticket. Later, he returned to Congress after winning the election as an independent. Kulkarni has maintained close ties with Siddaramaiah after the latter became CM. Mr Siddaramaiah also allotted him the party ticket for the parliamentary election to contest against State BJP president Pralhad Joshi from Dharwad constituency. Mr Kulkarni had faced a tough situation in the past after he slapped a doctor at KIMS for alleged negligence in providing treatment to a poor patient. This had evoked widespread criticism and anger against the new minister last year.