BRS Councillor Son ‘Kidnapped’ Ahead of Khanapur Vote

Karimnagar: Tension prevailed in Khanapur municipality in Nirmal district ahead of the April 4 election for chairman and vice-chairman, following allegations that a BRS councillor and his son were abducted.

BRS town president Raju lodged a complaint with police alleging that Mesa Posani, councillor from Ward 5 (Indira Nagar), and his son, Mesa Satish, were kidnapped. Party leaders demanded their immediate release and warned of a town-wide blockade on the day of the election if they are not traced.

Police said they have taken up investigation and intensified patrolling in the town. The 12-member municipality remains without a clear majority. The BRS and BJP have four seats each, Congress has three, and one independent member. The independent later joined Congress in the presence of MLA Vedma Bojju, but no party has secured a decisive edge.

Amid the deadlock, BJP and BRS leaders indicated the possibility of a power-sharing arrangement to keep Congress out of office. BJP state executive member Akula Srinivas said the party was open to cooperation with the BRS. Sources indicated a proposal to share key posts, including chairman and vice-chairman, on a rotational basis.

BRS in-charge Johnson Naik is holding consultations with party leadership on the strategy.

Officials said the alleged disappearance of the councillor has added uncertainty to the election, with parties seeking to secure numbers for control of the municipal council.