KALABURAGI: The Congress, which suffered a major setback in Kalaburagi Zilla Panchayat by losing power to BJP, is facing a major problem in Yadgir ZP following the resignation of two members.
Congress members Mr Basanagowda Patil Yadiyapur and Mr Rajshekhargowda Patil Wajjal, elected from Arkera (J) and Devatkal constituencies respectively in Surpur taluk, have resigned in protest against the election of Mr Basreddy Anpur as Yadgir ZIlla Panchayat president.
Mr Anpur, elected from the Konkal constituency, is understood have been made ZP president with the blessings of veteran Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge. Their resignations have sent shock waves through the ruling party which secured a wafer thin majority in the 24 member ZP body.
The Congress, which has 12 seats, has managed to bag both president as well vice-president’s posts with the support of lone JD(S) member. The rival BJP has floor strength of 11.
According to sources, Mr Yadiyapur, a strong contender for the top post, was a senior leader in the party having served as Hunasagi Block Congress for 17 years.
A mass leader, Mr Yadiyapur enjoyed the support of not only majority of ZP members, but also that of senior leaders such as Yadgir district incharge minister Baburao Chinchansur, Yadgir MLA Dr A B Maalakaraddi, Surpur MLA Raja Venkatappa Naik and former Minister Sharanabasappa Darshanapur.
The support of so many leaders not withstanding, Mr Basreddy Anpur was chosen president following a word from Mr Kharge. Disappointed with the decision of the party, Mr Yadiyapur not only resigned his seat but also as vice president of DCC and from the primary membership of the party.
Besides, both Mr Yadiyapur as well as Mr Wajjal are said to have decided to the boycott the general body meeting of the ZP also to register their anguish.
