BENGALURU: Karnataka Public Works Department minister Satish Jarkiholi on Monday played down his absence from a backward classes convention, saying the AHINDA platform does not belong to any individual and that anyone is free to organise such a meeting.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Jarkiholi said he had not been invited to the convention and therefore had no reason to attend.
“I was not invited to the backward classes convention. If the organisers had invited me, I would have attended. How can I go without being invited? Ask the organisers why I was not called,” he said.
Jarkiholi said the issue should not be taken too seriously and stressed that AHINDA — a political-social grouping representing minorities, backward classes and Dalits — was not the property of any one person.
“AHINDA is nobody’s property. Anyone can organise an AHINDA convention,” he said.
His comments came amid speculation over the absence of some Congress leaders from the backward classes gathering and possible differences within the party over the mobilisation of AHINDA groups.
Special session to discuss drought, farmers’ issues
Jarkiholi also spoke about the special session of the legislature convened to discuss drought, farmers’ problems and the Kasturirangan report.
He said the government could announce new programmes to mark 100 days in office and could also review the implementation of schemes already announced.
“A special session of the legislature has been convened to discuss drought, farmers’ issues and the Kasturirangan report. As the government completes 100 days, new programmes may be announced. The implementation of programmes already announced can also be reviewed. The chief minister should take up that work,” he said.
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