If Satish Jarkiholi wins, terrorism will begin in Belagavi: BJP lawmaker

Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatna made a controversial statement that the victory of Congress candidate Satish Jarkiholi in the by-election would lead to the beginning of terrorism in Belagavi. Communal riots would increase in Belagavi if Jarkiholi wins, he added.

Dharwad: Bharatiya Janata Party's Vijaypur MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatna (BJP) said if Congress candidateSatish Jarkiholi wins in the by-election, terrorism will begin in Belagavi.

He further added that during the last Assembly election, pro-Pakistan sloganeering was witnessed and Jarkiholi was behind the incident. Jarkiholi's victory would lead to the increase of communal riots in Belagavi, he alleged.

Speaking to the media, Yatna admitted that the BJP has not invited him to campaign for candidate Mangala Angadi.

By-polls for the Belagavi Lok Sabha seat is scheduled for April 17. Jarkiholi is currently the MLA of the Yemakanmardi constituency as well as Congress state working president. Meanwhile, Mangala Angadi, wife of late Suresh Angadi is the BJP candidate.