Political activity has intensified around the Mysuru-Chamarajanagar District Central Cooperative Bank (MCDCC Bank) as the Karnataka state government is expected to issue a formal notification for electing its president and vice-president soon. This follows the resolution of legal disputes, clearing the path for a decisive leadership battle for this influential financial institution.
Congress Secures Dominant Position in Board Elections
The stage was set in June when elections for the bank's board of directors were held. The Congress party, treating it as a prestige issue on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's home turf, fielded its legislators aggressively. The strategy paid off, with Congress-backed candidates emerging victorious in 10 out of the 17 seats. The remaining seats were won by candidates from the BJP and the JD(S).
This majority positions the Congress to install its candidates in the top posts. C S Puttarangashetty, Congress leader and former minister, confirmed that the Congress-supported board members will convene a meeting shortly to decide on the leadership. "As all the legal disputes related to the elections have now been cleared, the state government may announce a notification for the elections soon," he stated.
Key Contenders Emerge for Top Posts
The race for the presidency has thrown up several strong candidates from the Congress camp. Doddaswamegowda, backed by his son and K R Nagar MLA D Ravishankar, is a prominent contender. He is also eyeing a nomination under the backward class quota.
Another experienced figure in the fray is S Chandrashekhar, who boasts substantial experience in the cooperative sector and enjoys the support of MLA Tanveer Sait. H M Ganeshprasad, the Gundlupet MLA and son of former minister late H S Mahadevprasad, is also in contention, seeking a nomination from the Chamarajanagar district quota.
For the vice-president's position, H D Kote MLA Anil Chikkamadu has thrown his hat into the ring. This is his first foray into cooperative elections, and he is aiming for a nomination from the Mysuru district quota to secure the post.
High Stakes in Cooperative Banking Politics
The intense political interest stems from the significant financial and political clout associated with controlling the MCDCC Bank. The bank boasts an impressive annual turnover of Rs 2,500 crore and plays a crucial role in agricultural financing across the Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts.
Historically, supporters of the JD(S) have often dominated these bank boards. The Congress's decisive victory in the board elections marks a significant shift in the political landscape of cooperative banking in the region. All three major state parties—Congress, BJP, and JD(S)—had contested the board elections vigorously, understanding the substantial influence that comes with control over this key financial entity.
With the notification imminent, the political maneuvering among the Congress board members is set to reach its climax as they decide who will helm this powerful cooperative bank.
