The powerful Jolle-Jarkiholi faction has secured a decisive early victory in the Bengaluru District Central Co-operative (BDCC) Bank elections, winning nine of the sixteen director positions unopposed. The remaining seven director posts will see active polling on October 19th.
Competition is heating up for the seven remaining seats, with key constituencies like Athani, Nippani, Bailhongal, Ramdurg, Kittur, Hukkeri, and Raibag preparing for contested elections. Notable contests include Congress MLA Laxman Savadi against Mahesh Kumthalli in Athani, Ramesh Katti facing Rajendra Patil in Hukkeri, and former MP Anna Saheb Jolle up against Uttam Patil in Nippani. Other significant battles feature V.I. Patil and Mahantesh Dodagoudar in Bailhongal, Mallanna Yadvad and Srikant Dhavan in Ramdurg, Babasaheb Patil versus Vikram Inamdar in Kittur, and Appasaheb Kulgode challenging Basagouda Asangi in Raibag.
Balachandra Jarkiholi, a BJP MLA, confirmed on Wednesday that his group had contested 13 of the 16 available seats and successfully secured nine. Among the winners are prominent political heirs: Rahul Jarkiholi, son of Minister Satish Jarkiholi; Amarnath Jarkiholi, son of MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi; and Channaraj Hattiholi, MLC and brother of Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar.
This election has dramatically reshaped political alliances, with traditional party lines blurring as leaders from opposing parties form unexpected coalitions, while members of the same party clash against each other. For instance, Congress stalwarts Laxman Savadi, Mahendra Tammannanavar, and A.B. Patil have joined forces with BJP leader Ramesh Katti to counter the Jolle-Jarkiholi panel. Further highlighting the internal strife, Congress relatives Babasaheb Patil and Vikram Inamdar are in a direct contest in Kittur, and BJP leaders V.I. Patil and Mahantesh Dodagoudar are facing off in Bailhongal.
During a gathering of primary agriculture cooperative society members in Haroorgeri, Raibag taluk, on Wednesday, a powerful coalition including Mr. Savadi, Ramesh Katti, A.B. Patil, Mr. Tammannanavar, and former zilla panchayat president Amarsinh Patil, jointly rallied support for Basavaraj Asangi. Asangi is challenging the current bank chairman, Appasaheb Kulgode, who assumed the position after Ramesh Katti resigned last year.
While many leaders openly criticized the Jolle-Jarkiholi faction, they largely refrained from naming individuals directly.
Mr. Katti voiced strong concerns, alleging that a change in the bank’s management would lead to its downfall. He accused certain leaders from Gokak of being driven by insecurity and jealousy over the growing influence of others, aiming to derail the political careers of figures from diverse communities such as Lingayats, Kurubas, and Jains. “Their sole focus is on advancing their own family’s interests,” he asserted.
Mr. Katti emphasized his commitment to non-discrimination, stating he has always treated farmers equally, regardless of caste or political leanings. He then made serious accusations, claiming that his rivals had allegedly abducted some members and coerced them into voting. “I’ve received reports that farmers are being threatened with the denial of crop loans if they don’t vote a certain way. But rest assured, we will champion your rights,” he declared.
Addressing the broader political landscape, Mr. Katti remarked, “These leaders are currently competing and winning in unreserved seats. Should the Raibag Assembly constituency become open to general candidates in the upcoming delimitation process, they intend to nominate a family member from Raibag.” Echoing concerns, Mr. Patil further alleged that certain leaders in Gokak and Yamakanamaradi had forcibly seized over 1,000 acres of land from farmers, offering only minimal compensation.
Mr. Savadi clarified his stance, stating that while he generally dislikes mixing politics with cooperative matters, his primary concern remains the welfare of farmers. He asserted his keen awareness of his opponents’ political maneuvering, promising a resolute response when the appropriate moment arises.