Satish Jarkiholi Clarifies Meeting with DK Shivakumar, Addresses Minority Representation and Criticizes Modi
Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi clarified on Monday that his recent meeting with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar in Bengaluru was a routine courtesy call with no special political significance. Addressing reporters in Belagavi, Jarkiholi emphasized that discussions on party organization and government functioning are a normal part of political engagement.
Discussions on Minority Representation in Congress
Jarkiholi, however, noted that he conveyed concerns to Shivakumar, who also serves as the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, regarding the sidelining of minority leaders during elections and in party affairs. "The issue was discussed in detail, and past lapses were reviewed. Shivakumar has assured that corrective steps will be taken in the coming days," he stated.
Highlighting the importance of inclusivity, Jarkiholi asserted that the Congress must carry all communities together. He added that minorities form a crucial support base of the party and deserve adequate representation to strengthen its grassroots appeal and electoral prospects.
No Information on ED Raids, Criticism of PM Modi
Responding to queries about reported Enforcement Directorate raids at the residences of MLA NA Harris and Mohammed Nalapad, Jarkiholi said he had no specific information on the matter, distancing himself from the ongoing investigations.
In a sharp critique, Jarkiholi went on to criticize Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his remarks on the Women's Reservation Bill. He argued that if the government was serious about implementing reservation for women, it need not have linked it to delimitation and a fresh census. "The bill could have been implemented immediately without conditions. Linking it to these factors led to its failure," he said, adding that the public will see through what he termed an election gimmick aimed at political posturing rather than genuine empowerment.
Jarkiholi's comments underscore ongoing tensions within the Congress regarding internal representation and broader political strategies, while also reflecting opposition criticism of the BJP-led central government's policies.
