Cong high command pacifies Jarkiholi; will throw a ‘bomb’ in few days, says supporter

Belagavi, Sept 7: The Congress high command avoided a tug-of-war between the Hebbalkar and Jarkiholi groups in the election to a local cooperative, by electing compromise candidates.

Mahadev Patil was elected president and Bapu Saheb Jamadar as vice president of the Belagavi taluk co-op and rural development bank in Belagavi on Friday.

They are said to belong to the group of Lakshmi Hebbalkar, but chosen by Satish Jarkiholi. Party sources said peace brokered by senior leaders.

KPCC chief Dinesh Gundurao and working president Eshwar Khandre had spoken to both groups and ensured that the dispute ended. Ms. Hebbalkar wanted to make Bapu Saheb Patil or his nominee as the president.

But Satish Jarkiholi wanted Mahadev Patil as the president. This was settled before nominations were filed. The Jarkiholi group didn't file nominations at all, sources said.

Supporters angry

However, some followers of Satish Jarkiholi have expressed their anger over the compromise formula forged by party leaders. Parashuram Patil and Ayesha Sanadi said the Jarkiholi group had suffered a ‘setback’ in the elections as both the president and vice-president of the bank belonged to the Hebbalkar group.

Ayesha Sanadi started shouting angrily at senior Congress leaders who were camping at the government guest house. She was taken away by women police constables.

Patil said though Mr Satish Jarkiholi was consulted during the selection of candidates, the election of Hebbalkar's followers meant that the process was a ‘setback’ to the Jarkiholi group.

“In a few days, our leaders will show who they are and what they are capable of. They will throw a bomb in a few days, you wait and see,” he told presspersons.