Belagavi : Jarkiholi brothers in BJP remained absent to party’s “Janaswarajya” rallies at Belagavi and Chikkodi in which former CM participated.

Gokak MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi and Arabhavi MLA Balachandra Jarkiholi didn’t turned to the rally. It was said that the duo were upset for not declaring their younger brother Lakhan Jarkiholi as the second candidate to the Legislative Council election from local bodies of the district. Government Chief Whip at Legislative Council, Mahantesh Kavatagimath is contesting the election for third time.

Though their demand was not considered, both the brothers campaigning for Lakhan who is expected to contest as an independent candidate. His candidature and the brothers campaign may prove costly to the party’s first candidate Kavatagimath.

Congress would field Channaraj Hattiholli, a brother of Belagavi Rural MLA Laxmi Hebbalkar. Both Congress and BJP have sufficient votes to one each seats.