Ramesh Jarkiholi decides not to quit MLA post, cancels Mumbai trip

Gokak: After pressure from his brothers and the party leadership, former Water Resources Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi has decided not to quit MLA’s post.

Ramesh’s decision comes before his scheduled meeting with former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

It is gathered that the Jarkiholi brothers went into a huddle in Gokak to discuss alternatives available for Ramesh to avoid quitting his seat.

According to sources, Ramesh had a marathon meeting with brothers Balachandra and Lakhan Jarkiholi, and brother-in-law Ambirao Patil, and finally decided not to quit.

Soon after the brothers’ meeting ended in Gokak, Ramesh left for Bengaluru, canceling his scheduled visit to Mumbai.

The Jarkiholis are confident that the CD case will be closed by the government, as expected, and Ramesh will be back in the cabinet with the same portfolio.

Though the Jarkiholi brothers are with different political parties, one of them has been in the state cabinet, irrespective of which government has been in power in the past 15 years.

Gokak MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi had earlier said that he had determined to tender resignation as a legislator.

“I certainly will resign as MLA and there is no doubt about it. But, it does not mean that I will quit today itself. I will come out with my decision in 7-8 days. I have refrained myself for the time being on the advice of some seniors and well-wishers,” he had said.