In a significant political development in Belagavi district, long-time rivals Ramesh Katti, former BJP MP, and senior Congress leader A.B. Patil have come together in Hukkeri taluk, putting aside over three decades of political rivalry. Their unexpected alliance is being seen as a strategic move to counter the growing influence of the Jarkiholi family, particularly concerning control over the Hiranyakeshi Cooperative Sugar Factory.
The renewed partnership has injected momentum among Lingayat leaders in the region, with recent gatherings at Kaneri Mutt hinting at broader efforts to check the Jarkiholis’ expanding sway. Though historically at odds, both leaders have stated that their collaboration is focused solely on protecting cooperative institutions, especially the Hiranyakeshi factory, once a stronghold of the Katti family.
Founded in 1956 by Appanagouda Patil, the factory remained under Katti’s control from 1995 until January 2025, when a group led by BJP’s Annasaheb Jolle and MLA Balachandra Jarkiholi took charge. A shift in board members’ loyalties led to Nikhil Katti stepping down as chairman, ending the Katti family’s three-decade reign. However, dissatisfaction with Jolle’s leadership reportedly prompted the directors to seek support from Patil and Katti.
“Hiranyakeshi is more than a factory; it represents the spirit of the cooperative movement,” said A.B. Patil. “We need Rs 150 crore initially to revive operations. We’ll raise the funds and restart the factory, aiming to crush one lakh tonnes of cane in the next season.”
At a joint press conference, Katti stated, “I remain a loyal BJP worker, and A.B. Patil is committed to the Congress. On political matters, we’ll act as per our respective party lines, holding our own flags.”
The growing prominence of the Jarkiholi brothers in Belagavi, traditionally seen as a Lingayat stronghold, has stirred concern among senior community leaders, prompting a closed-door strategy session at the influential Kaneri Mutt near the Maharashtra border. The meeting has triggered considerable political buzz, especially with the upcoming Belagavi District Central Cooperative (BDCC) Bank elections in October, where Balachandra Jarkiholi is pushing to win all 16 seats uncontested.
Reacting to the developments, Minister Satish Jarkiholi downplayed the Kaneri Mutt gathering, stating, “Such meetings against the Jarkiholi family are nothing new.”
