Daijiworld Media Network - Belagavi (SP)

Belagavi, Dec 21: Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi has remained stubborn in not attending Congress legislature party and cabinet meetings. On Wednesday night, he was seen in a party hosted by BJP. This move is being analyzed by some quarters as clear sign of his decision to join BJP.

In a related development, leader of Congress legislature party, Siddaramaiah, summoned Ramesh Jarkiholi to inspection bungalow and held discussions with him for some time.   He was accompanied by MLA, Nagendra, and minister, Jayamala. It is said that Siddaramaiah advised Ramesh to change his style of functioning.

Several legislators from this district are angry at Ramesh's behaviour. Some of them want him to leave the party rather than remaining in it and cause embarrassment to party leaders. They also have sought action against Ramesh Jarkiholi.

Even within the family, it is said, Ramesh Jarkiholi's behaviour has received disapproval. His brothers want him to behave in a way which brings respect to Congress party, as they feel that Ramesh was made minister at the behest of Siddaramaiah.

It is said that Siddaramaiah wants to replace Ramesh Jarkiholi with his brother, Sathish Jarkiholi, if the high command permits ministry reorganization. He feels that Sathish brings a semblance of maturity and balance in place of Ramesh, whose behaviour is volatile. Siddaramaiah's comment on his arrival at New Delhi that ministry reorganization is possible hints to this probability, party insiders say.

BJP leader, R Ashok, said that the enmity between Ramesh Jarkiholi and D K Shivakumar is well-known. "Because of this enmity, Ramesh did not want to attend the party hosted by Shivakumar. Siddaramaiah has said that Sathish Jarkiholi should become chief minister. This is an indication that Congress will soon dump Kumaraswamy," he predicted.