Bengaluru, Apr 23 (PTI) Karnataka PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi on Thursday said that during a meeting of some senior ministers with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on April 22, they urged him to intervene in issues concerning the ruling party and end internal differences.
The senior leader also stressed the need for Muslim leaders in the Congress to unite and resolve issues that arose following the Davanagere South bypolls, asserting that divisions among them would ultimately harm the party.
The minister was reacting to reports about Siddaramaiah meeting some senior ministers from his cabinet, who are considered close to him, on Wednesday night.
“It is true that a few of us senior ministers met yesterday. We also discussed political developments along with a routine casual gathering,” Jarkiholi said in response to a question.
Speaking to reporters, he acknowledged that a division exists among Muslim leaders in the party.
He stressed the need for them to unite on a single platform and resolve issues, saying that the existence of separate groups would ultimately harm the party. “They will come together soon,” he said.
Responding to a question on the CM’s silence and the need for his intervention, the minister said, “This was also discussed at the meeting yesterday. We have requested him to intervene. This was the opinion of everyone who met.” “Everyone requested the same thing: that you (Siddaramaiah) should intervene and stop this,” he said, rejecting claims that the CM has become “helpless.” A day after the bypolls on April 9, a group of Muslim leaders—including Chief Whip in the Legislative Council Saleem Ahmed, MLAs Rizwan Arshad and Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan, and MLC Bilkis Bano—alleged that certain party members from the minority community conspired to defeat the official candidate in Davanagere South. They did not name anyone.
They said the party had named Samarth Mallikarjun as the candidate after considering all factors and taking Muslim leaders into confidence. Despite this, a campaign—allegedly involving some within the party—projected the Congress as having “betrayed” minorities by denying them the ticket.
Following the allegations, the Congress suspended MLC K Abdul Jabbar from primary membership, and Siddaramaiah relieved another MLC, Naseer Ahmed, from the post of Chief Minister’s political secretary.
Speculation is rife that Housing Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan may also face disciplinary action during the next cabinet reshuffle.
Khan, Jabbar, and Naseer Ahmed had sought a ticket for a Muslim candidate from Davanagere South. Allegedly upset over the party’s decision to field Samarth Mallikarjun, the three leaders did not actively participate in campaigning.
The developments have also led to speculation in political circles that Siddaramaiah’s confidants are being targeted within the ruling Congress, as the three are considered close to the CM.
Questioning Siddaramaiah’s silence, senior MLA and another close confidant of the Chief Minister, K N Rajanna, recently claimed that he is “helpless” and under some “compulsion” because he is not standing up to defend his supporters.
Reacting to a group of Muslim clerics accusing the Congress of injustice to the community, Jarkiholi on Thursday said, “The injustice has not happened to the entire community. It is something that happened in one constituency, that’s all. Efforts are on to rectify it, and we will do so.” Responding to speculation and claims by some leaders, including Rajanna, that a major political development is expected in the state after May 4, Jarkiholi said a cabinet reshuffle is necessary as it is long overdue.
“It should be discussed, and clarity must be brought to the ongoing confusion. Also, there is a new party president and other matters. After the results, the party will have to take a decision on these issues,” he added.
The results of assembly polls in four states and one Union Territory, as well as bypolls to two assembly segments in Karnataka, will be declared on May 4.
Meanwhile, reacting to criticism from Muslim clerics against the Congress party, Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan said, “You should ask them about this. I will speak to the clerics after Friday namaz.” Asked whether he is being targeted by linking his name to the alleged conspiracy in the Davanagere South bypolls, he said, “No one is targeting me. No one has taken my name.” PTI KSU SSK
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