Ramesh Jarkiholi again spotted in BJP camp

BELAGAVI: Disgruntled Congress legislator Ramesh Jarkiholi triggered fresh speculation by visiting the farmhouse of Annasaheb Jolle, a likely BJP candidate from Chikkodi constituency in this year’s Lok Sabha election, and holding lengthy discussions with him.
Photos of Jarkiholi engaged in discussion with Annasaheb and Shashikala Jolle, Nippani MLA, were widely shared. Sources say Jarkiholi met the couple at their Bhivashi farmhouse in Nippani for more than two hours on Sunday. Supporters of Jarkiholi, including Nippani Congress leader Ashok Asode, were present.

Annasaheb had contested the last assembly elections from Chikkodi constituency and had lost to Ganesh Hukkeri by a small margin. Sources say Jarkiholi is still firm on joining the BJP and he had attended the recent budget session of the state legislature only to shield himself from legal action, since the Congress had submitted a memorandum to the speaker asking for his disqualification.

It is said that recently, forest minister Satish Jarkiholi, brother of Ramesh, informed the Congress leadership that the BJP’s Operation Lotus is still underway and could create problems for the coalition government if neglected.