Vivekrao Patil the dark horse in Belagavi

Belagavi: The triangular contest for two seats from Belagavi constituency for the upcoming MLC elections, is turning extremely interesting with some top Congress and BJP leaders rallying behind an Independent candidate.

Independent candidate Vivekrao Patil, son of former minister V.L. Patil, seems to be emerging as the dark horse as he enjoys the support of some senior leaders in the Congress.

He may upset the calculation of the Congress and BJP that they can win one seat apiece without any hassle. The Jarkiholi brothers of Gokak who have played an instrumental role in the victory of candidates in past elections due to their stranglehold on local bodies across the district, are divided this time over supporting Veerkumar Patil, the Congress candidate. Minister Satish Jarkiholi declined to admit that he would support Vivekrao Patil but sources close to the Jarkiholi family said MLAs Balachandra Jarkiholi and Ramesh Jarkiholi are indirectly supporting Vivekrao Patil. A large section of Kuruba community to which Vivekrao belong and backward classes, are rallying behind him. As the assembly segments of Balachandra and Ramesh have considerable Kuruba voters, the two are keen on keeping the community in good steed by backing Vivekrao.

Besides the Jarkiholi brothers, another group of rebels from Congress which recently opposed Veerkumar's candidature at a press meet, is also expected to rally behind Vivekrao Patil. The decision of the Congress to field Veerkumar a 7th time in the elections ignoring all other potential leaders, is the main reason for the rebellion in the party.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Satish Jarkiholi said that he had been on a non-stop campaign in support of Veerkumar Patil and said Vivekrao Patil was never a member of the Congress.

According to sources close to the Jarkiholis, a large number of Balachandra's supporters held a meeting a few days ago on their strategy to ensure the victory of Vivekrao Patil.

The victory of BJP's Mahantesh Kavatgimath seems almost certain considering the smooth manner in which his campaign is proceeding.