Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, May 16: Ratna Nagaraj Ganiga representing Chitrapadi Marigudi ward in Saligrama was elected as the new president of Saligrama town panchayat in the election held on May 15. The election was necessitated due to the ouster of previous incumbent, Vasumati Nagesh Nairy, with the passing of no-confidence motion against her.

Although BJP has a majority in the town panchayat, it does not have a member who fits the reservation criteria fixed for the presidential candidate. As such, Congress members fought for this post among themselves. Although various meetings were held during the last two to three days to reach a consensus, the issue remained contentious. Therefore, both Ratna Nagaraj Ganiga and Kusuma Basava Poojary were asked to file nominations.

In the 14-member town panchayat, BJP members, Bhoja Poojary and Sulata Hegde remained absent while Raju Poojary and Sanjeev Devadiga remained neutral during the election. Out of ten votes polled, Ratna Nagaraj Ganiga got elected as BJP members, Raghavendra Ganiga, Sadhu P Karunkar and Uday Poojary in addition to Shiva Poojary from Congress voted for her. Kusuma was supported by four Congress members. Therefore, Ratna came out victorious with a margin of two votes.

BJP members, Bhoja Poojary and Sulata Hegde said that they remained away from election process as the party leadership had told them to remain aloof if the Congress fails to field consensus candidate.