Minister Jarkiholi says his meeting with DK Shivakumar a routine courtesy call

Belagavi: Public works minister Satish Jarkiholi clarified that his recent meeting with deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar in Bengaluru was a routine courtesy call with no special political significance.Addressing reporters here on Monday, Jarkiholi said discussions on party organisation and govt functioning are a normal part of political engagement. He, however, noted that he conveyed concerns to Shivakumar, who is also the KPCC president, regarding the sidelining of minority leaders during elections and in party affairs."The issue was discussed in detail, and past lapses were reviewed. Shivakumar has assured that corrective steps will be taken in the coming days," he said. Highlighting inclusivity, Jarkiholi stated that the Congress must carry all communities together, adding that minorities form a crucial support base of the party and deserve adequate representation.Responding to queries on reported Enforcement Directorate raids at the residences of MLA NA Harris and Mohammed Nalapad, the minister said he had no specific information. Jarkiholi went on to criticise Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his remarks on the Women's Reservation Bill. He argued that if the govt was serious about implementing reservation, it need not have linked it to delimitation and a fresh census. "The bill could have been implemented immediately without conditions. Linking it to these factors led to its failure," he said, adding that the public will see through what he termed an election gimmick.