In a dramatic turn of events during the chairmanship election of the Belagavi DCC Bank, the BJP, despite having the largest number of directors, failed to secure the position of president. This once again highlights the political clout of Satish Jarkiholi, the Congress MLA from Belagavi, who has proven to be the dominant force in the region’s politics.
On November 13, Satish Jarkiholi managed to install his supporter, Appasaheb Kulgode, as the unopposed chairman of the DCC Bank. Despite the BJP’s numerical strength, the party could not elect a president, allowing Jarkiholi to flex his political muscles and demonstrate his power in Belgaum’s political landscape.
BJP’s Setback and Satish Jarkiholi’s Influence
The BJP, with its greater number of directors, was expected to win the election. However, in a surprising outcome, the party was unable to elect a chairman. This failure highlighted once again the immense political influence Satish Jarkiholi holds in the district.
Appasaheb Kulgode, a Congress leader and Jarkiholi supporter from Raibag, was elected as the DCC Bank Chairman. The decision was finalized during a meeting at a private hotel in Belagavi, where the three Jarkiholi brothers — Satish, Ramesh (BJP MLA), and Balachandra (BJP MLA) — discussed the candidates. They proposed three names: Annasaheb Jolle, Subhash Davaleshwar, and Appasaheb Kulgode. After deliberations, Satish Jarkiholi declared Kulgode as the sole candidate for the position.
A Unified Front for Family Interests
Despite ideological differences between the Jarkiholi brothers, they presented a united front on November 13, signaling their collective support for Kulgode’s candidacy. The trio’s decision to back Kulgode was also driven by the need for bank development under the Congress government.
Kulgode’s election marks a significant victory for Jarkiholi’s influence in Belagavi politics, as the DCC Bank has historically been a critical political platform. The bank’s position has often been seen as a stepping stone to higher political office, and with Kulgode now at the helm, Jarkiholi has further solidified his political control in the region.
A History of Power in Belagavi Politics
The DCC Bank has long been at the center of political maneuvering in Belagavi, with several powerful families vying for control over the years, including the Jarkiholis, Kattis, Jolles, Savadis, and the Koujalagi family. The election of Appasaheb Kulgode as chairman strengthens Satish Jarkiholi’s position as the undisputed ‘kingmaker’ in the district.
The meeting at the private hotel, which excluded leaders like Laxman Savadi and former president Ramesh Katti, underscored the growing influence of the Jarkiholi brothers in the region’s political scene, making it clear that their decisions are pivotal to the future of Belagavi politics.
