Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Nov 20: Minister for municipal administrations, Ramesh Jarkiholi, who had absented from four successive cabinet meetings, duly insisting that his demands should be met first, sprang a surprise by attending the meeting held here on Monday November 19. At the same time, Jarkiholi, who has serious differences with the party leadership, reportedly handed over a letter to chief minister, H D Kumaraswamy. There have been widespread speculations over the contents of the said letter.

Another curious development also happened on Monday. JD(S) supremo, H D Deve Gowda, summoned former chief minister, Siddaramaiah, urgently to Kumarakripa guest house and held discussions with him. This meeting also kindled lot of interest in political circles.

It is said that Jarkiholi has been insistent that his supporter, B Nagendra, should be made a minister, and he should also be made in-charge minister for Ballari district. It is said that Jarkiholi also got the information about the likelihood of ministry expansion taking place only after the Lok Sabha election, which incensed him further. Some sources say that in the letter he gave to the chief minister, Jarkiholi said he would resign from the ministry if his demands are continued to be overlooked.

Some sources said that Deve Gowda chose to invite Siddarmaiah for talks in this background. Gowda is said to have impressed upon Siddaramaiah to take stock of the situation and handle Jarkiholi, as the Belagavi strongman is perceived to be a supporter of Siddaramaiah.

But both the leaders said after the meeting that they discussed about ministry expansion, nominations to corporations and boards, and other issues. On this occasion, Siddaramaiah said that the government will take a suitable stand on the protests by sugarcane farmers. He said he will also hold talks with the chief minister on this issue.