Beyond Political Heat: Chikkodi’s Rivalry Between Influential Jarkiholi And Jolle Families

Chikkodi in Karnataka is renowned for its numerous tourist attractions such as the Lord Hanuman Temple, Basaveshwar Temple, and Gokak Waterfalls. Now, the constituency is ready to host the parliamentary election for its seat. The constituency comprises 8 assembly segments, namely, Nippani, Chikkodi-Sadalga, Athani, Kagwad, Kudachi (SC), Raybag (SC), Hukkeri, and Yemkanmardi (ST), all of which are situated in the Belgaum district.

Five out of eight assembly segments are currently ruled by Congress, while the remaining three are held by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP will aim to maintain influence in the constituency by ensuring a victory for Annasaheb Jolle, the incumbent MP of Chikkodi. In the previous Lok Sabha election in 2019, Annasaheb Jolle secured 52.9 percent of the vote, while the Congress candidate, Prakash Babanna Hukkeri, only garnered 43.3 percent of the vote share. In the 2019 polls, the BJP won 25 out of the 28 seats in Karnataka, while the Congress, Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS), and an independent candidate secured one seat each.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a brutal attack on Rahul Gandhi and the Congress while campaigning for Annasaheb Jolle in Belgavi district. Amit Shah alleged that the Congress party, with the support of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), came to power in Karnataka. He added that the “anti-national elements” of the SDPI were involved in the bomb blast in Bengaluru.

On the other hand, the Congress party has nominated Priyanka Satish Jarkiholi, the daughter of Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi. Priyanka Satish Jarkiholi, who recently turned 27, holds strong educational qualifications, including a degree in commerce from Rani Channamma University and an MBA from Visvesvaraya Technological University. On the other hand, Annasaheb Jolle lacks formal degrees but brings years of political experience to the table. Priyanka Jarkiholi is also a newcomer to electoral politics. The Congress party hopes for a positive outcome by fielding a representative of the new generation.

The Congress party is focusing on the ‘five guarantees’ implemented by the Siddaramaiah government. It is also highlighting the five ‘Nyay guarantees’ mentioned in the Congress manifesto, which include Rs 1 lakh per year for women. Priyanka also mentioned that she will be asking her first question in Parliament about job opportunities for young, educated people, a large number of whom are unemployed.

Despite the heated debates over political interests, the election in Chikkodi is a rivalry between two influential political families: the Jarkiholis (represented by Priyanka Jarkiholi) and the Jolles (represented by Annasaheb Jolle). PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, Priyanka’s father, has considerable influence in Belgavi, while Annasaheb Jolle believes in the party’s strong support from Chikkodi. Shashikala Jolle, wife of Annasaheb Jolle, represents the Nippani assembly segment and also served as a minister in the last BJP government.

The date of voting for the Chikkodi Lok Sabha Constituency Election 2024 is May 7, during the third phase of the parliamentary election.

(This story is part of a Timeline. internship project.)