Will Arvind Limbavali replace Ramesh Jigajinagi in Vijaypura?

VIJAYAPURA: While BJP is struggling to appease its rebellions for assembly elections, it is also reportedly busy making plans for 2024 Lok Sabha elections. As it has not yet announced Arvind Limbavali’s name for Mahadevapura assembly segment, speculation in Vijayapura is that he will be fielded for Lok Sabha elections in Vijayapura in 2024 LS polls.
Sitting MP Ramesh Jigajinagi is said to be open for any decision of the party. As the constituency is reserved for SC, BJP high command is said to be mulling over fielding Limbavali to replace Jigajinagi. Limbavali, who hails from Bagalkot district,was once a noted ABVP leader in old Vijayapura district. However, he is said to be interested in state politics and wants to continue in Bengaluru itself.
Devendra S Mirekar, organising secretary, Vijayapura district Bhovi Samaj, told TOI that BJP is showing bias to the community. “Our leader Limbavali was given a ministerial berth which was withdrawn after 6 months. Now his name is being heard for Vijayapura Lok Sabha constituency. However, the party should assure him properly. Otherwise, he should be fielded at Mahadevapura itself,” he demanded.
A BJP worker from Vijayapura said that party has plans of introducing some new face in Lok Sabha elections too. “Our Mumbai-Karnataka region may also see some changes. In Vijayapura, Umesh Karjol, Dr Babu Rajendra Naik and some others have plans to contest in Lok Sabha polls. If they get tickets for assembly polls, they may continue with state legislature” he opined.
Shivarudra Bagalkot, general secretary, Vijayapura district BJP unit, said that there is no official information on replacing Jigajinagi. However, Limbavali was unavailable for comment.
Jigajinagi said that he will abide by the party’s decision. “I have seen in media that Limbavali may be fielded here. If that is the case, I welcome him, or anybody fielded by the party, wholeheartedly. If party instructs me to contest, I will do it sincerely,” he added.