Political activities are gaining momentum here after the schedule for the election of the new president of the zilla panchayat was announced.
A release by Belagavi Divisional Commissioner P.A. Meghannavar stated that the election for the post of the president of the zilla panchayat, which fell vacant after the former panchayat president Chaitra Shirur was ousted in a no-confidence motion, will be held at 1 p.m. on February 20.
According to a government notification, the post of the panchayat president is reserved for woman (general category). Nomination papers can be submitted till 11 a.m. on February 20 to the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Dharwad, who has been designated for the purpose by the Divisional Commissioner, the release said.
The post of the panchayat president fell vacant after the former panchayat president Ms. Chaitra Shirur was ousted in a no-confidence motion on February 5.
In the 22-member zilla panchayat, there are 11 Congress members, 10 BJP and one Independent. The no-confidence motion moved by the Congress was approved at the special general body meeting after four BJP members and the panchayat vice-president and Independent Shivanand Karigar supported it.
Now, the Congress is hoping to grab the post with the support of the rebel BJP members and the Independent member.
Vijayalakshmi Patil, who represents the Morab constituency and enjoys the backing of the former Minister Vinay Kulkarni, is said to be a front runner for the post now.
However, it may not be a cakewalk for the Congress as the rebel BJP members Ratna Patil and Jyoti Bentur too have reportedly expressed their desire to contest for the post.
However, these members are likely to be made heads of the standing committees.
Meanwhile, it is learnt that the BJP is exploring the possibilities of invoking the provisions of the anti-defection law against its members who supported the no-confidence motion.