India’s first rural electric cooperative, the Hukkeri Rural Electric Cooperative Society (HRECS) in Belagavi district, is set for a hard-fought election on September 28, reports TOI.

For 27 years, the Katti family controlled HRECS, but four months ago, a shift in director loyalties boosted the Jolle-Jarkiholi faction led by former MP Annasaheb Jolle and Balachandra Jarkiholi.

District minister Satish Jarkiholi has since been campaigning intensively, with plans to further strengthen the faction by fielding his son Rahul from the Hukkeri Assembly seat.

The Kattis, allying with ex-minister AB Patil, are mounting a robust counterattack, accusing the opposition of outside interference. Over 60,000 members are eligible to vote, with 164 candidates contesting 15 seats.

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