MLA Laxman Savadi’s controversial remark sparks political storm

Belagavi: The war of words between Athani MLA Laxman Savadi and Gokak MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi escalated on Saturday after Savadi made a controversial remark, saying he would "hit with footwear" if anyone attempted to subject him to injustice.Addressing a private programme at Telsang in Athani taluk, Savadi, without naming anyone, said that if the situation demanded, he would not hesitate to respond by hitting with footwear. The remarks soon went viral on social media, drawing widespread attention.Savadi's statement came in response to an earlier comment allegedly made by Jarkiholi, who had said Savadi would be sent back to driving a tractor after being defeated in the next assembly elections, referring to Savadi's pre-political background.Reacting sharply, Savadi said he was proud to be the son of a farmer and capable of doing all kinds of agricultural work. "Not only a tractor, I can also drive a bullock cart. If anyone comes to do injustice, I will hit him with footwear. That strength has been given to me by the people of my constituency," he said, adding that he would not tolerate any insult to farmers or the people of Athani.He said he had maintained silence so far to avoid harming anyone through words, but added that his restraint was being mistaken for helplessness. "I was born and brought up in a village. I know the language, but I deliberately avoid speaking like him," Savadi said, asserting that Athani is the land of Shivayogi Sharanas and that he would never allow injustice to its people.This is the first time Savadi has reacted so strongly to Jarkiholi, who has taunted him on several occasions in the past. Emphasising his roots, the former deputy CM said he studied in a govt school and grew up playing rural sports and working in agriculture. "Today, 1.3 lakh people of Athani constituency stand with me like a shield," he said.In the 2018 Assembly elections, Savadi was defeated by Mahesh Kumathalli, a close aide of Jarkiholi. However, in the 2023 elections, Savadi, after joining the Congress, defeated Kumathalli — a result widely seen as a setback for Ramesh Jarkiholi. Since then, the rivalry between the two leaders has continued to intensify.