Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP) 

Mangaluru, Sep 18: "The decision of the zilla panchayat (ZP) here to dissolve Haleangady gram panchayat is against democratic principles. It is the result of politics of vengeance. Both the president and vice president of the ZP are guilty of dereliction of duty. We will legally take on the zilla panchayat on this issue. The ZP which illegally dissolved the gram panchayat itself is fit to be dissolved," said angry member of legislative council, Ivan D'Souza. 

Addressing a press meet here on Tuesday September 17, Ivan said that unseating a democratically elected gram panchayat happens to be one of the rarest incidents in the state. "This is tantamount to murdering the very aspirations of rural development. BJP-run zilla panchayat has resorted to this act of revenge as Haleangady gram panchayat is ruled by Congress-supported representatives," he alleged. He also blamed the ZP of throwing to winds all rules relating to rural development.

"As per section 268 of Zilla Panchayat Act, before the dissolution of any gram panchayat, the same has to be published in the gazette, and deadline needs to be fixed for the dissolution. Before that, both sides should be invited for talks. Dissolution of the panchayat without meeting these requirements is a serious case of violation of act," he felt. 

Ivan reminded that when Dakshina Kannada zilla panchayat was in the control of BJP in the past, it had dissolved Hirebandady gram panchayat but the court had annulled the step. "This incident has failed to teach proper lesson to the ZP. As per rules, if the gram panchayat fails to convene periodical sessions, taluk panchayat executive officer can convene them. Why has the official not been tried for this violation?" he wanted to know. 

Haleangady gram panchayat president, Jalaja, vice president, Padmakumari Shetty, ZP standing committee chairman, U P Ibrahim, members, Shahul Hameed, M S Mohammed and others were present.