Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Aug 14: The prolonged war of oneupmanship that lasted for nearly a month, and was going on between heavyweights within the ruling Congress ended on Wednesday August 13, after the government issued an order reappointing Ajit Kumar Hegde Shanadi as the city corporation commissioner here. H Prasanna, who was transferred in Shanadi's place from Kodagu, has been shifted to Uttara Kannada district as additional deputy commissioner.

The government, reportedly on account of a tussle between two different groups of ministers and city corporators, had transferred Shanadi to the department of finance, Bangalore. In his place, H Prasanna, additional deputy commissioner of Kodagu, was posted. Although Prasanna took charge of the post on July 16 morning, oral instructions were conveyed to the office of Daklshina Kannada district deputy commissioner by the chief minister's office, asking him not to take over the post.

Prasanna then proceeded on leave for a few days. Shanadi had already been deputed to Hyderabad for training. Behind-the-scene activities were witnessed, after groups favouring continuance of Shanadi and those opposing him indulged in a tussle. It is said that about 26 city corporators stood firm behind Shanadi and submitted a petition to the chief minister for his continuance, and they had full support of minister, Ramanath Rai.

Reportedly, urban development minister, Vinay Kumar Sorake, led the other group which stood firm on his transfer. After pushes and pulls, the state government issued an order for Shanadi's retention here. Shanadi will take over charge as city corporation commissioner within a couple of days, it is gathered.