Cong. BRS Brace for Showdown in Municipal Elections
Additional collector Venkateshwarlu is overseeing arrangements in Khanapur, assuring transparent conduct of the elections
ADILABAD: The stage is set for elections to the posts of chairman and vice-chairman in Kyathanpalli and Khanapur municipalities on Saturday, with officials making elaborate arrangements and deploying police to prevent untoward incidents.
A tense political atmosphere prevails as doubts are raised over the quorum of ward councillors required to conduct the polls, failing which the elections, where the Congress and the BRS are locked in a fierce contest, may be postponed.
Additional collector (Local Bodies) P. Chandraiah said the elections in Kyathanpalli would be held as per guidelines and inspected the municipal office to ensure precautionary measures. Police will be deployed to maintain peace.
Kyathanpalli has 22 wards, with BRS winning 10, Congress seven, CPI four and one independent. With CPI support, BRS has reached the magic figure. Minister Gaddam Vivek and Peddapalli MP Gaddam Vamsi have ex-officio votes, which they registered at Kyathanpalli.
In Khanapur, BJP leaders recently offered to share posts with the BRS to keep the Congress out. Of the 12 wards, Congress won three, BRS and BJP four each, and one independent. The independent candidate later joined Congress in the presence of MLA Vedma Bojju, who also holds an ex-officio vote.
Meanwhile, BRS town president Gounkar Raju lodged a complaint alleging that councillor Mesa Posani and her son were kidnapped ahead of the polls. Congress MLA Bojju refuted the charge, saying his party had no need to resort to such acts and was confident of winning.
Additional collector Venkateshwarlu is overseeing arrangements in Khanapur, assuring transparent conduct of the elections.
