Jarkiholi says no decision yet on Karnataka Cabinet reshuffle

He asked the media to direct questions on the matter to Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, reiterating that the Congress leadership would abide by the high command’s directions.

Chikkodi: Minister for Public Works and Belagavi district in-charge Satish Jarkiholi on Friday, November 13, said the state government had not reached a decision-making stage on Cabinet expansion or reshuffle. He asked the media to direct questions on the matter to Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, reiterating that the Congress leadership would abide by the high command’s directions.

Speaking to reporters in Kudachi and Belagavi, Jarkiholi also dismissed concerns over the outstanding electricity bill of the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. He said the total electricity dues owed by various state government departments to five power supply companies stood at approximately Rs 10,000 crore, while the amount pending from the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha was just Rs 11 lakh.

“Officials and the government are there to handle such matters. Why are you concerned about a possible disconnection? It is not your duty,” he said.

Taking on the BJP over its threat to launch an agitation against potholes in Belagavi, the minister said responsibility for filling potholes on city roads rested with the municipal corporation. He pointed out that the BJP was in control of the civic body and should address the issue.

Jarkiholi accused the previous BJP government of allocating a disproportionate share of funds to southern Karnataka at the expense of the northern districts. He challenged BJP leaders to first secure the release of the Rs 10,000 crore allegedly pending from the Centre under the Jal Jeevan Mission. He also called for the use of advanced technology to prevent tax leakage in the Belagavi municipal corporation.

On the Cauvery water-sharing issue, he said the government would do everything within its power to safeguard Karnataka’s interests, adding that people had the right to question decisions concerning the release of water to Tamil Nadu.

Explaining the sugarcane pricing mechanism, Jarkiholi said the earlier rate of Rs 3,600 per tonne was based on a sugar price of Rs 45 per kg. The revised calculation uses Rs 50 per kg, under which farmers could get Rs 4,000 per tonne if sugar prices exceed that benchmark. He said payments were linked to sugar recovery and the profit-sharing formula adopted by mills, ruling out a single uniform rate for all factories.