In a significant development for the upcoming Belagavi District Central Cooperative (BDCC) Bank board of directors elections, Rajendra Patil has been officially named as the Jolle-Jarkiholi panel’s nominee. This announcement, made by MLA Balachandra Jarkiholi on Tuesday, coincided with the filing of nomination papers by Ramesh Katti, the former chairman of the bank, who is also contesting from the Hukkeri constituency.
Notably, Ramesh Katti clarified that he is running as an independent candidate, not affiliated with any specific panel.
The political landscape in Hukkeri has seen intense competition recently, with candidates from the panels led by former MP Anna Saheb Jolle and the Jarkiholi brothers facing off against those aligned with Ramesh Katti and A.B. Patil in the hotly contested Rural Electric Cooperative Society elections.
Addressing a gathering of Primary Agriculture Cooperative Society members, Balachandra Jarkiholi expressed his efforts to achieve a consensus for most of the 18 director seats, ideally leading to uncontested elections.
He stated, “We are actively working to build a consensus among leaders across various taluks to minimize the need for polling. Regardless, we are highly confident of securing at least 12 seats.”
Jarkiholi urged the Primary Agriculture Cooperative Society members not to be disheartened by the recent outcomes in the Hukkeri society elections. He reassured them, “No one should lose heart over these developments. A single setback will not define our future. With the unwavering support of our farmers, we are convinced we will emerge victorious in the upcoming DCC Bank elections.”
Outlining their future agenda, he added, “Upon election, our primary goal is to establish additional cooperative societies in both Hukkeri and Yamakanamradi constituencies, directly responding to the needs of our farmers. These new societies will be instrumental in boosting farmers’ economic well-being, providing access to essential loan benefits at a zero-interest rate.”