The race for the 15 director posts of the Belagavi District Central Cooperative (BDCC) Bank has drastically intensified. Several major political heavyweights from across the district filed nominations. The contest now The race for the 15 director posts of the Belagavi District Central Cooperative (BDCC) Bank has drastically intensified. In fact, the contest now directly rivals state legislative elections, serving as a crucial battleground for political supremacy in the region.
Read more : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/heavyweights-file-nominations-for-bdcc-bank-election-in-belagavi-district/articleshow/124485538.cms
Key Figures and Factions Sharpen the Focus
The filing of nominations immediately focused attention on the district’s most formidable political dynasties. Specifically, prominent leaders officially confirmed their candidacies on the final day, including:
- Rahul Jarkiholi (Son of Minister Satish Jarkiholi).
- Annasaheb Jolle (A senior leader and former MP).
- Channaraj Hattiholi (An MLC and brother of Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar).
- Arvind Patil (A long-time director and cooperative leader).
Therefore, the BDCC Bank poll has become a direct platform where the powerful Jarkiholi faction showcases its strength against its opposing groups. These rivals, for example, include the Katti family and other leaders like Laxman Savadi. Consequently, this intense, family-centric politicking turns the cooperative election into a proxy war for district political dominance.
The Numbers and the Election Schedule
In total, 35 aspirants submitted 66 nominations for the 15 constituencies. Clearly, this large number highlights the prestige attached to a director’s seat.
Furthermore, a significant development already altered the election dynamics. Six candidates, including Rahul Satish Jarkiholi and Amar Jarkiholi (son of Ramesh Jarkiholi), won unopposed director seats. Subsequently, this early victory gives the Jarkiholi-led faction a critical advantage and represents a major setback for the opposition camps. On the other hand, the remaining seats will proceed to the polls on October 19. We expect the final results shortly after the election.
Economic Power and Political Patronage
The BDCC Bank holds immense political and economic importance in the Belagavi region. For instance, its total annual turnover is an estimated ₹8,000 crore. Moreover, the bank primarily strengthens the rural economy as it distributes zero-interest rate loans to over 14 lakh farmers in the district.
Crucially, control over the bank’s board and the Chairman position grants the ruling faction direct control over a vast network. This network includes cooperative societies, financial distribution channels, and political patronage. Thus, securing these director posts guarantees long-term political influence, cultivates a loyal rural vote base, and establishes dominance in North Karnataka’s political arena.
Read also : Dr Hemant Kaujalagi Takes Charge as New IMA Belagavi President
