Daijiworld Media Network –Bengaluru (RJP)

Bengaluru, May 24: After dissidence of senior Congress leaders like B Janardhana Poojary, Vishwanath and others, and of original and new members’ debate, there is a new development in Congress now, that is of ‘brothers’ trouble.’

The differences and cold wars between two sets of brothers from Jarkiholi and Lad families is no secret anymore.

State Congress in-charge Venugopal, who is in state tour, is a tensed person now because in both the cases, he has not managed to find any solution.

On Monday Ramesh Jarkiholi and his brother Satish Jarkiholi indulged in a heated argument in front of Venugopal and chief minister Siddaramaiah, causing immense embarrassment to the party.

Ramesh and Satish Jarkiholi

Santosh and Anil Lad

Satish Jarkiholi met Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday and told reporters later that if the party leadership does not control activities of his brother Ramesh Jarkiholi, then he will decide his future destination. “I have conveyed this message to the party leadership,” he said.

Siddaramaiah too admitted that the Jarkiholi brothers fought with each other during the meeting on Monday, but declined to give more details.

It is gathered that Congress party leaders from Ballari have complained to the party leaders that differences between labour minister Santosh Lad, who is also the district in-charge minister, and MLA Anil Lad were taking a toll on the party in the district. The party workers are demoralized due to this reason, they say.

Venugopal has asked Santosh Lad to adjust with his brother. “You are the minister. You are doing government work. Understand this and adjust with your brother.” Venugopal reportedly told Santosh.
Anil Lad is in a foreign trip and is expected to come back soon. Venugopal has agreed to meet both the brothers soon separately and come to a compromise.

This ‘brothers’ trouble’ may not be a big factor in the state in the next elections. But it is expected to make considerable damage in north Karnataka as all these people involved are powerful. To make the things worse for Congress, another pair of brothers from the region –Reddy brothers from BJP- is returning to active politics.