Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Feb 23: Ramesh Jarkiholi, whose rebellion brought down the coalition government of Congress and JD (S), has now shown his rebellious nature against the ruling BJP too.

"Athani MLA Mahesh Kumathalli is also responsible for the formation of BJP government in the state, as he had resigned from the post of MLA. I will not allow injustice to be meted out to him. If Mahesh is not given ministerial position, I am ready to resign from both minister and MLA posts," said Ramesh Jarkiholi at Belagavi on Saturday, February 22.

During the last assembly by-elections held for 15 constituencies, BJP candidates had won from 13 of them. Both Ramesh Jarkiholi and Mahesh Kumathalli were also among the winners. However, during the recent cabinet expansion, only 10 winning MLAs were given ministerial berths and Mahesh Kumathalli was left out.

The BJP leaders justify the move saying, "North Karnataka and the Lingayat community have already been given more representation in the cabinet. The district of Belagavi already has three ministers in the cabinet. If ministerial position is given to Mahesh Kumathalli it will make four ministers from one district, which will create regional imbalance in the cabinet. In addition, Umesh Katti, MLA from Hukkeri of Belagavi is also a strong aspirant for the post of minister. Chief minister Yediyurappa has already assured that Umesh Katti will be made minister in future when the next expansion of cabinet takes place. So Mahesh Kumathalli has not been given any position."

Though Mahesh Kumathalli was offered the post of MSIL president, he turned it down. Now Ramesh Jarkiholi has stood firm with Mahesh Kumathalli, posing a new headache for CM B S Yediyurappa.