The newly-elected Bagepalli Town Municipal Corporation President and Vice President on Monday took charge amidst members’ absence.

Absence of some of the members who voted the President and Vice President for the posts, fuelled speculations of rift among the members.

The President and Vice President were elected on Friday. They were scheduled to assume office on Monday. All the members were invited for the function. But, only 10 members were present and the other 13 stayed away from the programme.

However, the Vice President A N Murthy sought to downplay the developments and said he had complete faith in those who did not participate in the function.

“They must be having some personal works. It is not fair to say that there is dissidence among the members. We will take them into confidence before going ahead,” he said.

He also said they have developed a road map for the development of the town. Infrastructure development and providing drinking water is the main priority, he said.

The President Sarojamma, CEO A V Anjinappa, Accounts officer B A Abdul Wajid, Health Inspector Murali and others were present.