Satish Jarkiholi says there are no differences with Siddaramaiah

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Congress workers and followers of Satish Jarkiholi felicitating the Public Works Minister and MLA Asif (Raju) Sait at the Congress office in Belagavi on Monday. | Photo Credit: P.K. BADIGER

Minister Satish Jarkiholi has denied that there are differences between him and the former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

“We have always had excellent relationship and we continue to have it. Reports of differences between us are far from truth. Some vested interests are trying to create a rift between us and our followers by posting messages on social media. We have filed a police complaint against them and the officers are investigating,” Mr. Jarkiholi said in Belagavi on Monday.

He was speaking after being felicitated by workers in the Congress office.

To a query, he said that it is not the first time that vested interests tried to target leaders from deprived communities. He said that it is natural for opponents to spread misinformation whenever they get a chance. “But we should grow as leaders, despite all such attempts,” he said.

“The main reason for G. Parameshwar being made the Deputy Chief Minister is due to the efforts and support of Mr. Siddaramaiah. The former Chief Minister always supports his followers and loyalists. He has always worked hard to give his supporters, including me and Dr. Parameshwar, suitable positions in the party and government,” he said in response to a query.

“Competition for party posts among leaders does not mean there is ill will between them. Now that Dr. Parameshwar has become the Deputy Chief Minister, we should celebrate it. He is among our senior leaders and we should be happy about it,” he said.

“It is true that I was an aspirant for the post of KPCC president. Some of my followers wanted me to become the Deputy Chief Minister. But I became a Minister and my old portfolio is continued. In fact, the party considered me as among the top five or six members of the Cabinet whenever we came to power. I am happy and not upset. However, there are alway