Will Naik, Nagendra follow Ramesh Jarkiholi?

Ballari: A couple of Congress MLAs from Ballari who are believed to be loyal to rebel Congress MLA and former minister Mr Ramesh Jarkiholi, are learnt to have decided not to take a hasty decision on resigning from the state assembly and jeopardise the stability of the coalition government, at least till May 23 when the Lok Sabha poll results will be announced.

Gokak MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi, who has been blowing hot and cold over resigning from the Assembly and joining the BJP, has not yet announced the date for doing so but his loyalists in Ballari  have decided to wait till the Lok Sabha poll results.

“Two to three Congress MLAs from Ballari have identified themselves with Ramesh Jarkiholi and they will definitely follow him (Ramesh), it's only a matter of time,” said a senior Congress leader. Ballari Rural MLA B Nagendra, Kampli MLA J.N. Ganesh and Hagaribommanahalli MLA Bhima Naik are said to be in touch with Ramesh Jarkiholi. Ganesh who was behind bars since February in connection with the resort brawl involving Hosapete MLA Anand Singh, was granted bail on Thursday.

“These Congress MLAs from Ballari are not too concerned about the outcome of the Ballari Lok Sabha poll and have decided to switch to the BJP only if the saffron party assume power at the Centre,” said a source.

Mr Nagendra and Mr Bhima Naik are upset after being denied berths in the state cabinet while Ganesh is reportedly angry that the Congress leadership did not take his side after the resort brawl. Ballari BJP candidate Y. Devendrappa is a relative of Mr Ramesh Jarkiholi and was reportedly supported by the ‘rebel’ Congress legislators.