Ramesh Katti, former chairman of the Belagavi District Central Cooperative (BDCC) Bank, has filed his nomination for the post of director of the bank. He submitted his papers on Tuesday (October 7, 2025) at the BDCC Bank head office in Belagavi, representing Hukkeri taluk. He was accompanied by MLA Nikhil Katti, family members, and a few supporters.
Mr. Katti had resigned from the chairmanship of the century-old institution last year following a no-confidence motion moved by some directors. Subsequently, A.M. Kulgude took over as chairman. The move was widely believed to have been backed by a panel led by former MP Anna Saheb Jolle and MLA Balachandra Jarkiholi.
Differences between Mr. Jolle and Mr. Katti, both BJP leaders, reportedly arose after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Mr. Jolle alleged that Mr. Katti did not support his campaign in Chikkodi, which contributed to his defeat against the Congress candidate, Priyanka Jarkiholi, the daughter of Minister Satish Jarkiholi. Mr. Katti, however, denied the charge, saying he had stayed away only because his claim to the BJP ticket was overlooked.
Not aiming for chairmanship
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Katti clarified that he is not contesting for the post of chairman nor is he part of any panel. “I don’t think there’s any need for a panel fight. I am contesting as an individual,” he said, adding that several like-minded individuals might join him. He also expressed willingness to campaign for other candidates if invited.
“I want to serve the public and farmers of Belagavi district. The BDCC Bank is a key financial institution, handling the finances of nearly 50 lakh people. I wish to safeguard and strengthen it, not to become chairman. Having been associated with the bank since 1986 — ten years as chairman, five as vice-chairman, and two decades as director — I only wish to contribute my experience for its growth,” he said.
Rejects Jarkiholi’s remarks
Mr. Katti dismissed as baseless Minister Satish Jarkiholi’s claim that deposits increased by ₹200 crore after his resignation. “Let’s discuss facts with data; I don’t respond to hearsay,” he said.
Highlighting his tenure, Mr. Katti stated that the bank secured over ₹3,400 crore in loan waivers for 3.81 lakh farmers and provided zero-interest loans to 4.58 lakh farmers. “No one can keep me away from an institution I helped build,” he asserted, recalling how he had led the bank from near bankruptcy in 1996 to profitability by 2005–06.
‘No permanent enemies’
Regarding his rapport with political leaders, Mr. Katti stated that Congress MLA Laxman Savadi remains a long-time friend and partner in cooperative work. He also acknowledged the support of the Jarkiholi brothers in his earlier term as chairman.
Referring to past disagreements with Mr. Jolle and the Jarkiholis following his victory in the Rural Electric Cooperative Society of Hukkeri elections, he remarked, “There are no permanent enemies in politics or cooperation. Differences arise from varying attitudes, but alliances can always shift — anything is possible.”
