The once-formidable influence of the late Umesh Katti in Hukkeri and the wider Belagavi region is rapidly diminishing. In just six months since his demise, the Katti family’s grip over key cooperative bodies has been systematically dismantled by the strategic partnership of the Jarkiholi and Jolle families.
This power shift became more apparent after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Ramesh Katti, ex-MP and brother of Umesh Katti, was denied a BJP ticket from Chikkodi in favour of sitting MP Annasaheb Jolle. Disappointed by the decision, Ramesh distanced himself from the campaign—a move many believe contributed to Jolle’s eventual loss. The rivalry between the families has only deepened since.
The alliance first made its move in November 2024, replacing Ramesh Katti at the helm of the Belagavi District Central Cooperative (BDCC) Bank. After 25 years in charge, Katti was pressured to resign—an effort led by Annasaheb Jolle and Arabhavi MLA Balachandra Jarkiholi.
By January, their attention turned to the Hiranyakeshi Cooperative Sugar Factory in Sankeshwar, long under Katti’s control since 1995. Seven out of ten directors shifted allegiance, prompting Nikhil Katti, Umesh’s son to resign as chairman ahead of a no-confidence motion. Congress leaders AB Patil and Shashikant Naik supported the move.
Most recently, the Katti family lost control of the Hukkeri Rural Electric Cooperative Society Ltd, an institution they dominated for 27 years. With 15 board members backing the Jolle-Jarkiholi camp and a no-confidence vote looming, chairman Kalagonda Patil stepped down.
In just six months, the Jolle-Jarkiholi duo has taken control of the BDCC Bank, Hiranyakeshi Sugar Factory, and Hukkeri Electric Cooperative Society. Both camps indicate the next targets could include the APMC, PLD Bank, and several taluk-level cooperatives in Sankeshwar and Hukkeri.
Former minister and Katti critic Shashikant Naik told reporters the change was overdue. “The ground is slipping from under the Katti family,” he said. “Their dominance thrived in the absence of stronger alternatives—something the Jolle-Jarkiholi team now offers. The Kattis weakened key cooperatives, and I’ll admit I too, failed to challenge them effectively back then.”
