Congress nominee facing rebel heat in Belagavi

 

Most of the leaders are opposed to Mr Veerkumar Patil as he got the ticket six times from Belagavi constituency of which he won four times. Despite intense pressure from many of its leaders, the party decided not to promote any other leader than Mr Veerkumar Patil in the constituency. “I am not worried about party rebels, and enjoy the support of most of top leaders in Belagavi. Several development works were implemented in the constituency when I worked as MLC four terms. The question of fearing rebels does not arise as most of party leaders including minister Satish Jarkiholi are backing,” says Mr Veerkumar Patil.

 

Mr Jarkiholi stated that he supports only Mr Veerkumar Patil, sources close to him said, adding he would rally behind Mr Vivekrao Patil, son of former minister Mr V L Patil. Along with a large number of his supporters, Mr Vivekrao Patil submitted nomination papers on Tuesday, urging all leaders in Belagavi to support him. With complete support of Mr Jarkiholi brothers, Mr Vivekrao Patil could win elections to KMF president's post recently.

 

Sources close to Mr Jarkiholi said, Mr Vivekrao Patil is expected to get the strong support of his Kuruba community voters besides all backward communities while Mr Veerkumar Patil, a Jain, may not get the similar support this time. A host of party leaders are divided over supporting Mr Veerkumar and Mr Vivekrao.On rebels entering the fray, Mr Jarkiholi said party leaders would attempt to persuade Mr Sadhunavar and other rebels to withdraw from the contest in the party's interests. Mr Sadhunavar has been a loyal party workers and is expected to work in party's interests, he said. But it is unlikely that Mr Sadhunavar will withdraw from the contest as most of Lingayat leaders want him in the fray.