Hukkeri Rural Electricity Cooperative Election
In a prestigious battle, the Hukkeri Rural Electricity Cooperative election once again witnessed the dominance of the Katti family. Former MP Ramesh Katti scored a resounding victory over the Jarkiholi brothers, sending out a strong message that he is ready to take on every future battle with the same aggressive zeal.
Political Twist – Friends Turned Rivals
The election, though limited to Hukkeri taluk, drew the attention of the entire state. Once bitter rivals, former minister A.B. Patil and Ramesh Katti joined hands this time. On the other hand, the Jarkiholi brothers—once close friends—were now pitched against them. This proved again the saying that in politics there are no permanent friends or enemies.
Heavyweights in the Fray
For the past two months, District In-charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi had camped in Hukkeri. He was backed by former MP Annasaheb Jolle, former minister Balachandra Jarkiholi, and MLC Lakhan Jarkiholi. Standing firmly behind Ramesh Katti were senior Congress leader A.B. Patil, MLA Nikhil Katti, and the entire Katti family. Both powerful political families had staked their prestige on this fight.
“A Battle of Self-Respect”
While the Jarkiholi brothers silently strategized, Ramesh Katti blew the trumpet of self-respect. He declared: “As long as I breathe, no outsider will rule this taluk.” He aggressively raked up the Jarkiholi family’s background and, with his fiery speeches, attracted voters. His gamble worked. Winning all 15 out of 15 seats, he proved Hukkeri will not dance to anyone’s tune except the Katti and Patil families. Thus, the Kattis’ 40-year stronghold over the cooperative continues.
BJP-Congress, Congress-BJP – Strange Alliances
Interestingly, sworn rivals A.B. Patil and the Katti family united for this election, while the Jarkiholi brothers allied with Annasaheb Jolle—who had defeated them in the Lok Sabha elections. This created confusion among grassroots BJP and Congress workers. But the people of Hukkeri weren’t swayed by the Jarkiholis’ power and influence. They stood by self-respect and voted decisively for the Kattis. Analysts say this marks the first-ever defeat of the Jarkiholis in the cooperative sector.
The Battle Doesn’t End Here
Ramesh Katti has already announced that the fight will continue in Gokak, Arabhavi, Yamakanamaradi, and Nippani. “We will not rest until we teach our rivals a fitting lesson in the next Assembly elections. The DCC Bank should never fall into Jarkiholi hands; if it does, the bank will collapse. All PKPS members across taluks must remain vigilant while voting,” he appealed.
New Leadership Against the Jarkiholis?
This victory has raised an important question—Is Ramesh Katti emerging as the new leader for those opposing the Jarkiholi brothers in Belagavi? His aggressive style and persuasive speeches have turned him into a new ray of hope. Both Congress and BJP leaders opposed to the Jarkiholis are said to be rallying behind him.
Will It Impact the DCC Bank Elections?
The upcoming DCC Bank election on October 19 could see ripple effects of this Hukkeri verdict. With Balachandra Jarkiholi aiming for control, experts predict Ramesh Katti may give him a tough fight. By ensuring not just his own victory but also of his close associates, Katti could reclaim the DCC Bank, which had slipped away earlier.
Voices of the Winners
Vinay Patil (son of former minister A.B. Patil): “Outsiders came to take over our taluk’s cooperatives, but our voters taught them a lesson. This victory belongs to the proud people of Hukkeri. Our Patil family will continue to work with the Kattis in the cooperative sector, though politics will remain separate.”
Shivanand Mudasi (winning candidate): “Under the leadership of A.B. Patil, Ramesh Katti, and MLA Nikhil Katti, our panel won all 15 seats. It was a matter of the taluk’s self-respect, and the people voted overwhelmingly for us. We will strengthen the cooperative and provide better electricity services.”
Ramesh Katti: “This victory is dedicated to late Umesh Katti, A.B. Patil, and the voters of Hukkeri. A minister tried to destroy my family with money power, but the people rejected it. In Gokak, everything is under one family’s grip. Here in Hukkeri, we stood united, and the people defended their pride.”
MLA Nikhil Katti: “Our aim was to safeguard the self-respect of Hukkeri. Those who believed everything can be bought with money were proven wrong. Three Jarkiholi brothers came to campaign, forgetting this wasn’t a party election but a cooperative one. The people gave them the right answer. We thank everyone who supported our Victory
