We aren't responsible if some Congress MLAs desert party: Satish Jarkiholi

Hubballi: Congress MLA Satish Jarkiholi has asserted that he and minister Ramesh Jarkiholi should not be held responsible if a few legislators desert the party to join the BJP. Addressing mediapersons in Belagavi on Sunday, he said it will be the personal decision of these MLAs and the Jarkiholi brothers have no role in it. Stating that he cannot stop such Congressmen from joining the BJP, he said two legislators had quit the party earlier and returned to the party fold later. Reiterating that he and his brother will not quit the Congress, he said they should not be blamed if the JD(S)-Congress coalition government becomes unstable following the defection of a few MLAs from the party. He however ruled out defection of a large number of legislators from the Congress. “BJP leaders may  be trying to woo Congress legislators by offering money. I don't have much information about Operation Lotus. What can we do if the coalition government collapses after some MLAs leave the party?. There is no threat to the Congre
ss from the Jarkiholi brothers, we will not join any other party. I will go to Bengaluru and will meet co-ordination committee chairman Siddaramaiah if he invites me,” Satish Jarkiholi said.