In the political arena of Karnataka’s Belagavi constituency, a hotly contested battle is unfolding within the state’s Congress unit. This race for the coveted Lok Sabha ticket has become a significant point of contention, even in the wake of the party’s resounding victory in the state elections a few months ago.

At the center of this political tug-of-war are two influential leaders from Belagavi, both of whom serve as ministers in the Karnataka Cabinet. Satish Jarkiholi, the Minister for Public Works Department, hails from the influential Jarkiholi family, renowned for its dominance in the sugar industry. Notably, two of his brothers, Ramesh and Balachandra, are BJP MLAs, while another sibling, Lakhan Jarkiholi, holds a position as a Congress MLC.

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Satish Jarkiholi’s close association with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been long-standing, a partnership that was initially forged over 15 years ago when he switched from the Congress to the JD(S).

On the other side of the contest is Lakshmi Hebbalkar, the Minister for Women and Child Development. Hebbalkar, aligned with Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar’s camp, has her own political clout. Her younger brother, Channaraj Hattiholi, secured a seat in the Legislative Council in 2021.

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The significance of this political tussle extends beyond personal ambitions. Deputy CM Shivakumar is eyeing the expansion of his sphere of influence in the crucial Belagavi district. This district is politically significant because it encompasses two Lok Sabha seats, Belagavi and Chikkodi, as well as a staggering 18 Assembly segments, a considerable stronghold outside of the Bengaluru Urban district.

The escalating battle for the Lok Sabha ticket has underscored the complexities and power dynamics within the state Congress unit. This rivalry could have far-reaching implications not just for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections but also for the political landscape in Karnataka, a state known for its shifting alliances and political dynamics.

With the fielding of their respective family members, both Satish Jarkiholi and Lakshmi Hebbalkar are vying to secure the party’s nomination for the Belagavi constituency.

This political drama comes on the heels of the Karnataka Assembly elections in 2023, adding a layer of intrigue to the political landscape. The importance of Belagavi as a key electoral battleground highlights the significance of the impending decision for the Congress party in Karnataka.