Daijiworld Media Network - Belegavi (SP)

Belagavi, Apr 6: Lakhan Jarkiholi, younger sibling of Ramesh and Satish Jarkiholi, who wields considerable influence in the district in general and Gokak in particular, has announced his support for the BJP in the Belagavi Lok Sabha (LS) bypoll. His surprise shift has exposed dearth of Congress leadership in this district.

It may be recalled that Lakhan had fought the assembly election against elder brother, Ramesh Jarkiholi, in Gokak assembly constituency on behalf of the Congress last time. He however was defeated.

BJP leaders Jagadish Shettar, Byrathi Basavaraj, Umesh Katti, Rajya Sabha member Eranna Kadadi and BJP candidate Mangala Angadi, had met Lakhan on Monday and invited him into the BJP. But it was thought that Lakhan, as in the past, will stand by Satish Jarkiholi. After the CD case emerged, Lakhan has leaned towards the BJP and is heard criticizing D K Shivakumar.

"I fail to understand why the Congress allotted ticket to Satish Jarkiholi. It becomes awkward for me to campaign for him as my other brothers, Ramesh and Balachandra are with the BJP. Therefore I support the BJP," Lakhan stated.