Bengaluru, October 6: Senior Congress leader and Local Bodies Minister in the Karnataka government, Ramesh Jarkiholi, has drawn flak for skipping five Cabinet meetings in a row despite holding a key portfolio. The Minister has offered a startling reason for his absence: "I will not attend the meetings till God answers my prayers."

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Jarkiholi said he would not be attending the meetings till his certain prayers are answered by the God. The decision, he added, stems from an age-old tradition where people give up certain duties till their wishes get fulfilled. Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy Says His Government Will Complete Full Term, No Differences With Congress.

"Sometimes when we pray, we stop using bikes or skip activities until our prayer is answered," Jarkiholi said, further adding that he would not be attending the meetings scheduled in the near-future as well.

Local media, however, have questioned the religious reason cited by the Minister for abeyance from Cabinet meets. According to reports, Jarkiholi, along with his younger brother and MLA Satish Jarkiholi, are upset with the Congress' state high command.

The duo, along with a couple of loyal legislators, recently considered to travel to Mumbai despite the party's apprehension. Reports claimed the brothers were considering to meet the BJP leaders outside the state to discuss their potential switch to the saffron party.

Following the incident, the Jarkiholi brothers met the leaders of the Pradesh Congress Committee, who claimed that all issues have been sorted out. Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy also met the dissident legislators, urging them not to take any decision which would jeopardise the stability of the government.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 07, 2018 12:06 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).