Municipal administration minister Balachandra Jarkiholi is slowly emerging as a powerful politician in the BJP due to his increasing proximity to the party top brass. He fought the legal battle against his disqualification along with 15 other MLAs not only to prove his innocence but to regain his cabinet berth too. In the last few months, he has openly opposed former CM B.S. Yeddyurappa and even camped in New Delhi to lobby against his reinstatement as CM. He has been working hard to garner the support of non-Lingayats for D.V. Sadananda Gowda so that the latter continues to hold the top post. He is now heading a campaign launched by MLAs of the OBC, SC/ST communities for social justice and has been exerting pressure on the BJP high command and the CM to set aside huge funds for their welfare. In an exclusive interview with Deccan Chronicle, Mr Jarkiholi spoke about various developments in the BJP. Excerpts:
How do you view the present crisis in the BJP?
It may be political uncertainty or differences among leaders but such situations have happened in the past too and when other parties were in power. We should learn to overcome such problems through discussions. Today, I feel everyone in BJP—Lingayats and non-Lingayats— want Sadananda Gowda to continue as CM. In my view, Mr Gowda has proved to be a good CM by leading the government in a professional manner ever since he assumed charge.
You organised the Panchamsali Lingayat convention, then headed a team of pontiffs of the OBC, SC/ST communities to meet the CM. It looks like you would like to safeguard the BJP from the tactics of the Yeddyurappa camp. Why are you angry with BSY?
The conventions of Lingayats or non-Lingayats organised in Gokak recently, have nothing to do with politics. Nor are they against Yeddyurappa. I am fighting for social justice for all communities. The Panchamsali meet was held because more than 40 per cent of voters in my constituency (Arbhavi) are Panchamsalis who also supported me in the elections. Later, I and K.S. Eshwarappa headed a delegation of 27 pontiffs of OBCs, SC/STs to meet the CM only to seek government facilities which these communities deserve. The CM has assured us that backward communities will get a good deal in the budget.
Former health minister B Sreeramulu claims BSY took money from him every month in the past. What is the truth?
I would not like to comment on whether Sreeramulu gave money to BSY or not as I was in the JD(S) when BJP was struggling to form a government. As far as my disqualification is concerned, I knew I had not done anything wrong. I fought for social justice and that was why I won the case in court. And that is the truth.
You are one of few ministers openly supporting Sadananda Gowda. If BSY returns as CM, you may lose your job.
A: I am sure the BJP high command will retain Sadananda Gowda as CM. The high command wants a clean and healthy leadership in the state which is now being provided by Sadananda Gowda.
Do you think BSY can bring the government down? How many will go with him if he walks out of the party?
I am sure neither Yeddyurappa nor his supporters will leave at this juncture. All leaders and MLAs fully support Sadananda Gowda for his able leadership and his ability to manage the affairs of the state smoothly. The government is stable and will continue to gain strength in the coming days.
How will the party win the confidence of Lingayats before the next elections if BSY walks out?
I would not like to comment on who will walk out and who won’t but I can say for sure that we have thousands of Lingayat voters supporting us in most of the constituencies in the state. To attract all communities towards BJP, we have been fighting for justice for all in the coming budget.