BELAGAVI
Three women legislators are in the race for the vacant ministerial post, and a decision is expected after the Assembly session, District In-charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi said on Saturday.
He said the party would support whichever candidate is chosen.
Speaking to reporters after the Independence Day flag hoisting, Jarkiholi said Lakshmi Hebbalkar, Umashree and Gayathri Shanthegowda are being considered for the position. He said all three are capable, but the delay was due to uncertainty over whom to select. Until then, the Chief Minister will handle the vacant responsibility, he added.
Jarkiholi said discussions on the ministerial appointment are continuing and rejected speculation about former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah taking a firm stand on portfolio allocation. He said the vacant post would be filled after the session. On Minister Zameer Ahmed’s decision regarding flag hoisting, he said the minister had mentioned the BBMP election issue in his letter and should explain it himself. He also criticised the BJP for raising the matter politically.
On Belagavi civic issues, Jarkiholi said the long-pending demand for a resolution declaring Belagavi an integral part of Karnataka should be addressed. He said several meetings and suggestions had already been given to the corporation and urged the media to highlight the delay.
Jarkiholi also spoke about drought and water concerns. He said he would inspect Yaragatti, Saundatti and Ramdurg taluks, where preliminary reports indicate crop damage across 29,000 hectares. He said the report would be sent to the Centre for further action. Regarding the proposed water project involving Maharashtra, he said five TMC of surplus water would not create problems and discussions with Maharashtra officials were planned. He also said the proposal to increase the distance between sugar factories from 15 to 25 kilometres should be considered by the Cabinet.
