In Belgaum, the district consisting of two Lok Sabha seats—Belgaum and Chikkodi—dynastic politics has taken root, as both the BJP and Congress have nominated candidates with significant family political legacies. While dynastic politics is not uncommon in Belgaum, this marks the first instance where all four candidates from the national parties boast strong political lineage.
In the Chikkodi Lok Sabha constituency, Congress candidate Priyanka Jarkiholi is running against BJP nominee Annasaheb Jolle, whereas in Belgaum, Mrinal Hebbalkar is competing against former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar.
Priyanka Jarkiholi, representing the next generation of the Jarkiholi family, has recently stepped into the political arena. Among her siblings, Ramesh, Satish, and Balachandra serve as MLAs, while Lakhan holds a position as an MLC. Satish currently holds the role of Public Works Minister. Under the mentorship of her father Satish Jarkiholi, Priyanka is embarking on her maiden political journey with the Congress party. She faces the seasoned politician Annasaheb Jolle in her electoral debut.
Mrinal Hebbalkar marks the third member of the Hebbalkar clan to venture into active politics during the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. His mother, Laxmi Hebbalkar, serves as the state’s Minister of Women and Child Welfare, while his uncle, Channaraj Hattiholi, holds the position of an MLC. With an engineering degree under his belt, Mrinal has been actively involved in political activities for several years, serving as a Youth Congress office bearer. He gained electoral experience by supporting his mother, Laxmi Hebbalkar, behind the scenes. Presently, he’s contesting for the Belgaum constituency under the Congress banner, opposing Jagadish Shettar.
Former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar has secured a BJP nomination for the Belgaum Lok Sabha constituency, despite facing opposition from various local leaders. The constituency was previously represented by the late Suresh Angadi for four consecutive terms from 2004. Following his unexpected passing in 2020, his wife, Mangala Angadi, won the subsequent by-elections. However, this time, instead of nominating a member from the Angadi family, the party has opted for Shettar, who has close familial ties with the Angadis. Notably, Shettar’s son is married to Shraddha, the daughter of Mangala Angadi. Initially, incumbent MP Mangala Angadi had hoped for Shraddha to receive the nomination.
Despite the prevailing uncertainties, MP Annasaheb Jolle has secured a BJP nomination for the Chikkodi Lok Sabha constituency for the second time. He is married to Shashikala Jolle, a three-time MLA and former minister. The Jolle family has held significant political influence in the Chikkodi region for the past twenty years.
