In a surprising turn, a panel led by Congress leader and Minister Satish Jarkiholi has chosen BJP MLA Vithal Halgekar as its candidate for the Belagavi District Central Cooperative Bank elections from Khanapur. The move comes just a day after Congress MLC Channaraj Hattiholi opted out of the contest.
Mr. Jarkiholi clarified that the polls are not being fought on party lines, stressing that the aim is to back leaders who can safeguard farmers’ interests and resist anti-farmer elements.
The Jarkiholi-led panel will be up against the group led by BJP MLA Balachandra Jarkiholi and former BJP MP Anna Saheb Jolle, as well as another panel led by ex-MP Ramesh Katti.
Halgekar’s selection is notable though not unexpected. A recent entrant to the BJP, he is a prominent pro-Marathi activist, long associated with the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samithi. He also established an education society and a cooperative sugar factory in Khanapur.
Known to share close ties with the Jarkiholi brothers, Halgekar’s induction also reflects caste calculations, with him representing the Maratha community after Lingayat leader Hattiholi stepped aside. His panel also features senior Lingayat cooperative leader Raju Ankalagi.
The century-old bank, among the earliest cooperative institutions in North Karnataka, holds prestige as it is a major lender to farmers. Several political families, including the Jarkiholis, Kattis, Savadis, and Ankalagis, have built their base through its elections.
Chairman of the selection committee Yashwant Birje said Halgekar was unanimously picked during a meeting at Shantiniketan School on Thursday. The names of Hattiholi, Halgekar, and social worker Raju Siddhani were considered, but following Hattiholi’s withdrawal, Halgekar’s candidature was finalized.
Out of 55 primary agriculture cooperative societies eligible to vote, a minimum of 28 is required for a majority. Halgekar has claimed backing from 35 societies.
