Belagavi (Karnataka) [India], June 26 : Karnataka Minister Satish Jarkiholi on Wednesday called for a probe into alleged irregularities and corruption in donations collected for the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Speaking in Belagavi, Jarkiholi said, "A large amount of donations has been received, and the donation has gone missing. An investigation must be conducted into this. We have to wait and get an answer."
His remark is followed by allegations made by former Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA from Ayodhya, Pawan Pandey, who claimed that between Rs 7 crore and Rs 7.5 crore in donations were misappropriated from the Ram Mandir.
Furthermore, he indicated that a cabinet expansion may soon take place, but it is not taking place right now.
"There will be no expansion at the moment. It may happen soon; there must be an expansion," he said.
The Karnataka Minister added that there are at least 20 people who need the ministerial position. He further said that Begalavi needs at least three more ministerial positions.
"There are still 20 people who need ministerial positions. The cabinet expansion is pending and it must be done. Belagavi is a big district and needs another ministerial post. There is a need for two or three ministerial positions for the Belagavi district. Even if it gets one more ministerial position, that will help," Jarkiholi noted.
He further said that the high command is holding discussions on who should be given a ministerial post.
On reports of disagreement with former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Jarkiholi dismissed the speculations of any possible rift, saying, "My relationship with former CM Siddaramaiah is good. I was with him earlier, and I am still with him. I will always be with him."