Date:10/06/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/06/10/stories/2005061008270300.htm

Karnataka - Belgaum

Ruling group in Belgaum corporation reduced to a minority

Staff Correspondent

Opposition demands Mayor's resignation on moral grounds

BELGAUM: The Mayor of Belgaum, Vandana Belgundkar, who was criticised by the Opposition for "not showing political morality" and being unable to answer questions raised by the leader of the supporting group, abruptly adjourned the meeting and walked out of the council hall here on Thursday.

The former Mayor and senior Opposition member Shivaji K. Sunthakar demanded Ms. Belgundkar's resignation on moral grounds, in the wake of the ruling group being reduced to a minority after the withdrawal of support by six members of the Belgaum Abhivruddhi Vedike (BAV). Members of the Opposition maintained that the Mayor had no moral right to continue in office after the Deputy Mayor, Satish Gourgonda, resigned from the post protesting against failure of Ms. Belgundkar to respond to civic problems and development needs of the people.

However, she refused to step down and adjourned the meeting, even as the Opposition members entered the well of the council hall to demand her resignation.

No provision

The ruling Samvichar Sambhashik Vikas Vedike (SSVV) has been reduced to a minority in the 58-member council. Its strength of 32 has come down to 26 after six members of BAV, including Mr. Gourgounda, withdrew their support, the leader of the BAV, N.B. Nirwani, said.

Since there is no provision in the Karnataka Municipal Corporation Act to pass a no-confidence motion against the Mayor, who has a term of one year, Mr. Sunthakar demanded Ms. Belgundkar's resignation on moral grounds. The meeting witnessed heated arguments over Mr. Gourgounda's resignation, which the SSVV floor leaders, Sunil Kudachi and Latif Pathan, described as "political."

Evidence

Taking exception to the charge, Mr. Nirwani gave evidence to substantiate charges of negligence, inefficient handling of the affairs of the corporation, irregularities, ignoring issues such as drinking water problem and solid waste management.

He alleged that the commissioner is showing scant respect to the council. The commissioner, K.D. Birje, had invited tenders for certain major works without bringing it to the notice of the council. However, the commissioner maintained that he could not take up any work without the permission of the council. He also alleged that the Mayor had failed to take possession of seven acres of BCC land despite being equipped with court orders.Mr. Gourgonda said all his efforts to draw the Mayor's attention to the problems faced by the people in the city were in vain, after which he decided to resign.

The Leader of the Opposition, Mohan Chigare, and Prakash Shirolkar, Sunil Balekundri, and Vijay More participated in the debate over Mr. Gougonda's resignation. Gajanan Patil, a member of the Opposition, who was annoyed over the members levelling allegations and counter-allegations, urged them to discuss the civic problems and find solutions.

However, there was some confusion when Mr. Sunthakar questioned the legality of the manner in which the Deputy Mayor tendered his resignation.