Balachandra Jarkiholi elected KMF chairman unanimously

www.mangaloretoday.com

Bengaluru, September 1, 2019: In what brought an end to the nearly month-long drama in the election to the post of chairman of the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), BJP legislator from Arabhavi in Belagavi district, Balachandra Jarkiholi, was elected unanimously on Saturday.

Despite not having the strength in the 19-member KMF board, the BJP leader won hands down as Congress-aligned directors extended their support to him, even as Janata Dal (Secular) leader H.D. Revanna backed out of the race. “I intend to run the organisation on apolitical and secular principles,” Mr. Jarkiholi said after his victory.

Mr. Jarkiholi also said he aims to more than double the annual profit of KMF, from Rs.130 crore now to Rs.300 crore in the near future. He is to take charge on Monday.

The board has eight Congress-aligned directors, three who support the JD(S) and two the BJP, besides government nominees, who traditionally support the government-backed candidate. Incidentally, Mr. Balachandra’s nephew Amarnath Jarkiholi, son of Congress rebel Ramesh Jarkiholi, represents Belagavi district milk union in the board.

The run-up to Mr. Jarkiholi’s election, however, was filled with drama after Mr. Revanna attempted to advance the elections by about a month and was stalled by the newly sworn in Chief Minister, B.S. Yediyurappa citing a High Court order hours before the ballots were to be cast. Allegations were hurled at Mr. Revanna that he had held directors “hostage” to win the elections.

Ahead of Saturday’s election, Mr. Jarkiholi, who was appointed to the KMF board as a government nominee after the BJP government was formed in the State, also spoke to leaders across the political spectrum, including Mr. Revanna. The JD(S) leader sent his letter withdrawing his candidature through an aide on Saturday morning.