Date:28/12/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/12/28/stories/2005122815390300.htm

Karnataka - Bellary

BJP likely to take control of Bellary Zilla Panchayat

Staff Correspondent

Janata Dal (S) retains control in Sandur, Huvina Hadagali and Sirguppa Taluk Panchayats

BELLARY: The Bharatiya Janata Party is racing ahead to clinch the administrative control of the zilla panchayat and not less than three taluk panchayats in Bellary district.

Retains hold

The Janata Dal (Secular), on the other hand, has managed to retain its hold in Sandur, Huvina Hadagali (Deputy Chief Minister M.P. Prakash's home constituency) and Sirguppa Taluk Panchayats.

Of the 25 of the 36 zilla panchayat seats declared so far, the BJP has won 16.

The party has swept all the eight seats in Bellary taluk and four of the six seats in Kudligi taluk.

In addition, the Bharatiya Janata Party has got a clear majority in Bellary taluk and appears to be in a position to gain control of Kudligi and Hospet Taluk Panchayats.

Poor performance

Contrary to expectations, the Janata Dal (S) fared badly in Bellary taluk, while the Congress is nowhere in the picture. Both these parties may win seven and four seats respectively.

In Sandur, the Janata Dal (S) has won four of the total five zilla panchayat seats and will control the affairs of the taluk panchayat.

However, the performance of BJP in Sandur taluk was poor. Even after an aggressive campaign undertaken by it, the party could not penetrate the strong base of the Janata Dal (S) and also that of the Congress. In Sirguppa, the BJP emerged as the single largest party by winning eight out of the total 17 seats. The Janata Dal (S) has bagged seven and is likely to take over the reigns of administration with the help of the Congress.

Better position

Unlike in Bellary and Sirguppa taluks, where the performance of the Congress has been miserable, the party appears to be in a better position in Kudligi. Congress has won seven of the 17 seats declared and will have to out beat the BJP to retain power.

The BJP, which has won eight seats, is also in the race. The Janata Dal (S) won two.

Results were yet to come from Hagari Bommanahalli taluk.