Congress Sees A Move Building Around Jarkiholi For State Unit Leadership

Belagavi: As speculations about a possible leadership change in Karnataka grow, a parallel turmoil has begun within the Congress over the KPCC chairmanship. While the spotlight remains on the Prime Minister’s seat, a section of party leaders have quietly started pushing for a fresh face to lead the state unit; Minister Satish Jarkiholi is leading the way in this regard.

DK Shivakumar’s completion of six years as KPCC president in March is sparking internal debate on whether the organization needs new leadership, especially with assembly elections nearly two years away. Although there is no official move yet, a faction within the party has started lobbying the high command to take Jarkiholi into consideration when a decision is made to replace the state president.

According to sources, a group of Congress leaders recently met AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and presented a case for him, mentioning the support Jarkiholi received across districts, including the support of various DCC presidents. According to sources, the message was not to look for a new name immediately but to ensure that Jarkiholi’s name is mentioned prominently when the party takes up the issue of restructuring.

Jarkiholi, 63, is a strong leader from Belagavi and represents Yamakanmardi constituency, which he has held since its post-delimitation formation in 2008. He had previously served as MLC. The former Janata Dal and JD(S) leader is widely seen as a reliable partner of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Like Siddaramaiah, Jarkiholi also left JD(S) and joined the Congress. Party insiders believe that he is seen as a potential successor to Siddaramaiah in the AHNDA movement in the long run; This is a view that even Siddaramaiah’s son Yathindra had openly hinted at a few months ago.

“Jarkiholi is a skilled organizer who understands political arithmetic and has adequate resources,” a senior party official said. “He proved this in the Haveri by-election, where the Congress defeated the BJP candidate. This constituency was held by former CM Basavaraj Bommai. When his son contested the by-election, the Congress defeated him. Jarkiholi played an important role in this. He also proved his strength once again by helping his daughter Priyanka to victory in Chikkodi during the parliamentary elections.”

He previously served as the working president of KPCC and was recognized for effectively discharging corporate responsibilities during this period.

Supporters argue his rise would bring strategic advantages. Belonging to the Valmiki Nayaka community (ST), his appointment could help consolidate tribal, Dalit and OBC support while also strengthening the AHNDA base. Leaders point out that Jarkiholi is seen as the most influential face of the AHNDA movement in the party after Siddaramaiah.

He also heads the organization ‘Manava Bandhutva Vedike’, which promotes secularism and social justice and has a presence in various regions. Describing him as a “natural fit” for the KPCC post, another leader said, “He combines Siddaramaiah’s outreach with Shivakumar’s organizational strength.”

However, uncertainties continue. An important question is whether the party will be happy with both the Chief Minister and the KPCC chief withdrawing from the AHNDA camp if Siddaramaiah remains in office. Another variable is whether Jarkiholi’s prospects will improve depending on whether Shivakumar eventually relinquishes the party chairmanship or takes over as CM.

While some leaders argue that dual AHNDA representation will not harm the balance of the party, others feel that the leadership equation is far from resolved. For now, Jarkiholi’s supporters seem content to quietly build momentum, waiting for the high command’s next move.