Karnataka MLA and prominent party figure, Ramesh Jarkiholi, has strongly advocated for the return of Basanagouda Patil Yatnal to the BJP, urging the party leadership to make every possible effort to reinstate him.
On Monday, Jarkiholi stated, “I have consistently stood by Mr. Yatnal. My stance against B.Y. Vijayendra, the State BJP president, is well-known. Ever since Mr. Yatnal’s expulsion, I’ve insisted he should rejoin the BJP, and I reiterate that call today. Mr. Yatnal himself indicated he would consider forming a new party only if Vijayendra remains in his position. Despite his expulsion eight months ago, Yatnal has maintained a strong political presence and enjoys significant support across the state. The BJP simply cannot afford to lose such a valuable leader.”
“While we have openly opposed Mr. Vijayendra, our criticism has never extended to Yediyurappa,” Jarkiholi clarified. “It’s evident that the BJP’s strength is being undermined by Mr. Vijayendra’s actions, and this deeply concerns us all.”
Jarkiholi also highlighted his significant political rivalry with Laxman Savadi, vowing to intensely campaign for his defeat in Athani during the 2028 elections. “We might have seen a setback in the Belagavi district central cooperative bank elections in Athani,” he conceded, “but we are fully confident of securing victory in the Athani Assembly seat.”
Furthermore, Jarkiholi issued a stern warning to Ramesh Katti, another BJP leader with whom the Jarkiholi family has political disagreements. He urged Katti to reconsider his behavior and refrain from making disparaging remarks against leaders or specific communities. “Despite our friendship, I was deeply distressed by his disrespectful comments towards my community during the recent cooperative elections,” Jarkiholi explained. “My brothers contested against Ramesh Katti’s faction in the Hukkeri Rural Electricity Cooperative Society, though I personally did not support that move. Ramesh Katti needs to stop making such reckless public statements, or he risks severe repercussions for his political future.”
Shifting focus, Jarkiholi questioned why BJP leaders were preoccupied with the internal dynamics of the Congress party. “I fail to grasp why our own party members are discussing the ‘Congress November Revolution’,” he remarked. “Whether D.K. Shivakumar becomes the Chief Minister or Mr. Siddaramaiah retains the position, it shouldn’t be our primary concern. Our mandate is to function as a strong and effective Opposition.”
Finally, speaking in his capacity as a sugar factory associate, Ramesh Jarkiholi reaffirmed his unwavering support for farmers protesting for better sugarcane prices. “Farmers deserve fair treatment and justice,” he asserted. “The government must announce a supportive price for sugarcane without further delay.”