BELAGAVI, 6 JAN 

Public Works Department minister representing Yamakanamaradi constituency in Belagavi district  Satish Jarkiholi said that he would be the leading candidate for the chief minister's post from the party after 2028 Assembly election.

Speaking to reporters in Raichur on Monday, he said that that Siddaramaiah would complete his full term and there was no question of changing him.

He said, "Despite spending crores of rupees for guarantee schemes Siddaramaiah government has not borrowed a single rupee," Jarkiholi said, adding that the government exchequer was empty when the party came to rule defeating Basavaraj Bommai led BJP government in 2023. He said that he has an ability of winning at least 40 Assembly seats in northern range for which he was claiming for the CM's post.

Belagavi district Congress committee president Vinay Navalgatti said that Congress party came back to power because of the contribution of Jarkiholi.

When asked about deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar' claim on the post in 2028, Jarkiholi said that the matter would be solved amicably and added that most of the Siddaramaiah supporting legislators were backing him for the post. "I'm sure that apart from 35-40 legislators from our region, all most all the legislators of Siddaramaiah will agree for my candidature for CM's post," Jarkiholi said.

On condition of anonymity one of the BJP legislators representing Belagavi district said that Hubballi-Dharwad had got chief ministers whereas none among 18 legislators from Belagavi was in CM seat till date. -Salar News