As CM Change Speculation Grows, Jarkiholi’s Name Does Rounds for KPCC President Post
Party leaders say Jarkiholi is being viewed as a leader who could provide organisational continuity while also helping maintain social and regional balance within the party.
Belagavi: Even as speculation over a possible leadership change in the Karnataka Congress continues, discussions have also begun within the party over who could head the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) if Deputy Chief Minister and current KPCC president DK Shivakumar is eventually elevated to the Chief Minister’s post.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has so far remained tight-lipped amid the continuing speculation over a possible leadership change and is expected to make things clear on Thursday. If the Congress eventually opts for a transition in the government and DK Shivakumar moves into the Chief Minister’s role, party circles believe Minister Satish Jarkiholi could be entrusted with the KPCC chief post.
Party leaders say Jarkiholi is being viewed as a leader who could provide organisational continuity while also helping maintain social and regional balance within the party.
The 63-year-old leader from Belagavi district is considered one of the Congress’ strongest faces in north Karnataka. Jarkiholi has represented Yamakanmardi constituency since 2008 and earlier served as an MLC.
A former Janata Dal and JD(S) leader, is widely seen as a trusted associate of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Like Siddaramaiah, Jarkiholi too quit JD(S) and joined Congress. Over the years, he has emerged as one of Siddaramaiah’s trusted associates and is increasingly being seen within sections of the party as an important AHINDA face for the future. Siddaramaiah’s son and MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah had also hinted at Jarkiholi’s growing role in the AHINDA framework some months ago.
Congress leaders point to Jarkiholi’s organisational abilities and election management skills while discussing his possible elevation. Leaders in the party often cite the Congress victory in Shiggaon by-election— long represented by former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai — as an example of his political management.
“It was a constituency represented by former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, whose son contested from there. Despite the Congress fielding a Muslim candidate, the party managed to win, and Jarkiholi played a crucial role in that campaign,” a leader said.
Party leaders also credit him for successfully ensuring the election of his daughter in a general category reserved constituency and for playing an active role in the Congress victory in the recent Bagalkot electoral battle.
His supporters believe his elevation could help the party politically ahead of the next Assembly elections, now less than two years away. Belonging to the Valmiki Nayaka (ST) community, Jarkiholi is seen as a leader who has influence across sections and maintains good rapport with different communities and factions within the Congress.
Jarkiholi had earlier served as KPCC working president and is considered well-versed with the party organisation.
