The DCC Bank elections in Belagavi district have once again taken center stage in state politics, overshadowing even MLA and MP elections. The nomination process began on Thursday, with Ghatanughati leaders filing their papers. On Friday, nominations from the Jarkiholi faction were submitted, followed by counter-nominations from Kittur, Ramadurga, Nippani, and Hukkeri taluks, intensifying the political contest and keeping the Jarkiholi brothers on edge.
The Belagavi DCC Bank has historically been a flashpoint in state politics, notably triggering the rivalry between Lakshmi Hebbalkar and the Jarkiholi brothers. As the upcoming election approaches, the political temperature in the district is rising again, this time with the Katti and Jarkiholi families locked in a renewed battle for dominance.
Nominations Filed by Ghatanughati Leaders
Following the recently concluded Electricity Cooperative Society elections, the process for electing DCC Bank directors has commenced. One director will be chosen from each of the 15 taluks by members of the Agricultural Cooperative Societies. Voting is scheduled for October 19, and Saturday marks the final day for filing nominations.
The Jarkiholi brothers have already fielded their candidates in 13 taluks in a bid to seize control of the DCC Bank. On Friday, MLA Balachandra Jarkiholi arrived at the Belagavi DCC Bank office along with seven candidates and submitted their nominations. Those who filed include former MP Annasaheb Jolle (Nippani), MLA Vishwas Vaidya (Yaragatti), former MLAs Mahantesh Doddagoudar (Bailahongala) and Arvind Patil (Khanapura), along with Vikram Inamdar (Kittur), Appasaab Kulgod (Rayabaga), and Virupaksha Mamani (Savadatti).
Jarkiholi stated that the remaining six candidates will file their papers on October 11, adding that they would not resort to personal criticism but would respond legally to any such attacks.
Opposition Takes Shape Against the Jarkiholi Faction
The Balachandra Jarkiholi faction faces strong resistance from candidates in Kittur, Ramadurga, Bailahongala, Nippani, and Hukkeri constituencies. Nanasaheb Patil, brother of MLA Babasaheb Patil, has entered the fray from Kittur. In Ramadurga, government chief whip Ashok Pattan and former MLA Mahadevappa Yadav’s brother Mallanna Yadav have also filed nominations.
Meanwhile, Uttam Patil is contesting against Annasaheb Jolle from Nippani, former MP Ramesh Katti has filed from Hukkeri, and V.A. Patil has entered from Bailahongala.
Both Babasaheb Patil and Ashok Pattan have stated that they are not aligned with any faction and are contesting independently in the interest of farmers.
As the DCC Bank elections gain momentum, the political battleground in Belagavi is heating up. With both the Jarkiholi faction and their rivals employing strategic maneuvers, all eyes are now on October 19, when the results will reveal who will dominate the district’s cooperative politics.
