Ramesh flies to Delhi to ‘book berth’ in Bommai cabinet

Shyam Sundar Vattam | NT

Former minister and Gokak BJP MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi has left for Delhi to meet party leaders and press for his induction into the Council of Ministers following a temporary respite from the court in connection with a sex scandal.

The ‘Gokak Sahukar’ had tendered his resignation last year following the scandal on the condition that he should be reinstated if the judiciary gave him a clean chit. Recently, the court had reportedly given him temporary relief in the case and Ramesh feels this will work in his advantage.

But the State BJP in general and the Belagavi unit in particular is unhappy over his alleged ‘double game’ which eventually resulted in the victory of his brother Lakhan Jarkiholi who contested as an independent candidate in the recent Council polls while the official BJP candidate Mahantesh Kavatagimath was defeated. A complaint has been filed with both the state and national BJP units against Ramesh demanding that he should not be taken back in the ministry at any cost.

State BJP President Nalinkumar Kateel had promised an inquiry into the role of Ramesh during the Council poll from the local bodies constituencies but not much is known about the action taken.

According to sources, Ramesh is expected to meet BJP National General Secretary and incharge of Karnataka Affairs Arun Singh and a few Maharashtra leaders who are close to him. These leaders are expected to pressurise Nadda to induct him in the cabinet again. But Belagavi BJP leaders have reportedly told Kateel that Ramesh is a spent force and does not have any control over the district anymore.

According to sources, Ramesh is expected to meet BJP National General Secretary and incharge of Karnataka Affairs Arun Singh and a few Maharashtra leaders who are close to him. These leaders are expected to pressurise Nadda to induct him in the cabinet again. But Belagavi BJP leaders have reportedly told Kateel that Ramesh is a spent force and does not have any control over the district anymore.