In the election to the post of president and vice-president of Bagalkot Zilla Panchayat in Bagalkot on Friday, Veena Kashappanavar, member and wife of Hungund Congress MLA, Vijayananda Kashappanavar, emerged victorious as panchayat president, while Muttappa Komar, a panchayat member, who won on Raitha Sangha ticket, became the panchayat vice-president.
Of the total 36 votes, Ms. Kashappanavar secured 18, while her nearest rival of the BJP got 17.
Interestingly, one BJP candidate, Bhagyashree Jambagi, remained absent.
Since the voters had given a fractured mandate, no party gained majority. Any party that wishes to take control of the zilla panchayat needed 19 votes. Thus, it was believed that the BJP had a good chance as it needed only one vote more to win the panchayat president post.
Since Mr. Komar was the only member whose support was essential for any party, the BJP, perhaps, was confident of clinching his support.
However, on Friday, the tables turned in favour of the Congress as one of the BJP members remained absent. And, the Congress candidate won with the support of Mr. Komar.
It is not clear what prompted Ms. Jambagi to remain absent and what action the BJP is going to take against her.
Meanwhile, Belagavi Division Regional Commissioner, N. Jairam, who chaired the meeting, congratulated the winners.
Deputy Commissioner P.A. Meghannavar, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer M.G. Hiremath and Superintendent of Police M.N. Nagaraj were present.
