Bagalkot by-election ticket likely to go to Meti family, says minister Jarkiholi

Belagavi: Karnataka public works department and district minister Satish Jarkiholi on Friday said that the Congress is likely to give the party ticket to a member of the family of late MLA HY Meti in the forthcoming by-election to the Bagalkot assembly constituency, which fell vacant following his death.Speaking to reporters at the DC's office here on Friday, Jarkiholi said preparations are already under way to ensure the party's victory in the by-poll. He added that the final decision on the candidate would be taken by the party high command after consulting local voters and the Meti family.Responding to media queries about speculation that the post of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President may be given to a leader from Belagavi district, Jarkiholi said the party requested the high command to clear the confusion surrounding a possible leadership change. "The high command will make a decision. There was no discussion about the KPCC president's post being allotted to Belagavi district. We will certainly be happy if the post comes to the district," he said.No drinking water shortage at presentThe minister said currently there is no drinking water shortage anywhere in Belagavi district. However, he cautioned that the situation may change after April if the summer intensifies."If water scarcity arises, supply will be ensured through tankers at the gram panchayat level," he said, adding that all GPs in the district either have water tankers or were instructed to procure them. Tahsildars of all taluks were directed to monitor the situation and ensure the timely supply of water wherever required.Request to Maharashtra for release of waterJarkiholi said the collapse of the 22nd crest gate of the Hippargi barrage resulted in a significant waste of water from the Krishna River. "Around 2 to 3 tmcft of water has already flown away. To address a possible shortage, the state govt is considering requesting the Maharashtra govt to release about 2 tmcft of water," he said.Voter list mapping under wayThe minister said the voter list mapping process is currently in progress in Belagavi district, with about 85% of the work completed across the 18 assembly constituencies. Officials were instructed to achieve a target of 92% completion.Responding to allegations raised during a BCC meeting that around 60,000 voters were missing from the Belagavi South constituency, Jarkiholi said the verification process is still ongoing. "Officials are visiting houses up to three times to verify the details. It is their responsibility to trace voters. Another review meeting was scheduled next week," he said.