CM hopes Jarkiholi will reconsider

But problems not restricted to portfolio alone, say sources

Satish Jarkiholi

: Following the resignation of Satish L. Jarkiholi, close aides of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, including M. Kempaiah, adviser to Home Minister, tried to resolve the differences and persuade Mr. Jarkiholi to withdraw his resignation.

While Mr. Kempaiah met Mr. Jarkiholi at the latter’s residence in Gokak early Wednesday morning, his efforts only resulted in a sharp jibe from the politician, saying he need not clarify his stand on the issue to the Home Minister’s adviser.

While it has been widely reported that Mr. Jarkiholi’s resignation was a result of his unhappiness over the Excise portfolio, sources in the government told

The Hindu that the problems are not restricted to portfolio alone.

ST tag to Golla community

In fact, they said trouble between Mr. Jarkiholi and Mr. Siddaramaiah began after the Cabinet recommended Scheduled Tribe (ST) tag to the Golla community. Mr. Jarkiholi, who belonged to the Naik community, reportedly opposed the decision.

The Cabinet’s decision would mean that 15 seats reserved for STs would have to be shared with the Golla community.

I am confident he will change his decision of quitting the Cabinet, in the next few hoursSiddaramaiahChief Minister

Jarkiholi, from the Naik community, reportedly opposed Cabinet recommendation for ST tag to Golla communitysources