An argument ensued between H D Kote MLA Chikkanna and Mayavati Galagali, director for planning at the District Urban Development Cell at the office of the Deputy Commissioner, here on Saturday, with both accusing each other of being corrupt.
Chikkanna and his supporters alleged that Galagali was not answering his phone calls. However, the officer had another version of the issue. She complained about the irregularities committed by the MLA and his followers. The group attacked her verbally, in the presence of the public and the media.
She accused the MLA and his followers of abusing her on the phone.
“They usually call me on the phone or enter my cabin drunk and hurl a stream of abuses at me.”
Galagali said the MLA and the Saragur Town Panchayat (TP) members pressure her for the deputation of a chief officer to the TP, who would not oppose their irregularities.
Later, when they find that the officer does not support them, they urge for his transfer and deputation of another officer who would be in cohorts with them.
She said Lokesh, the chief officer of Bannur, was given additional charge of the Saragur TP, when the incumbent Zaheer Abbas went on leave. The MLA and the TP members wanted Lokesh (an honest officer) to be replaced with shirastedar K Johnson.
“Replacement sought”
“They are seeking the replacement in view of the forthcoming TP meeting. They want their man, so that their irregularities are pushed under the carpet.”
Galagali said Chikkanna, who had previously sought an inquiry to unearth illegal khatas, was not following the procedures due to the fear that he might be exposed.
She alleged that the MLA and TP members Ramesh, Khaleel, Nagarajaram and Prabhuswamy were harassing her over the issue.
Chikkanna said he would move a privilege motion against Mayavati in the Assembly.
He declared he would resign if the charges against him were proved.