No-confidence vote against ZP vice-president today

Members fail to specify reasons for step against Savithramma

The out-of-the-blue decision of the Zilla Panchayat members to call a no-confidence vote against vice-president B Savithramma on Saturday has surprised all.

The members have failed to clarify the reasons for the sudden decision to call for a no-confidence vote. In addition, Savithramma still has eight months left in her term as vice-president.

Savithramma has herself expressed shock over the developments. “I have no idea why the members have lost confidence in me, as they gave no complaints about my work in the last one year,” she said.

Signature campaign

The members, however, have already collected signatures in support of the no-confidence vote and brought it to the notice of the ZP chief executive officer B S Shekharappa.

A special meeting has been called at 11 am on Saturday. Savithramma too has been issued a notice. Also, attendance to the meeting has been made compulsory for the members. The 27 members are all, however, expected to attend the meeting and pass the no-confidence vote.

Possibilities

Savithramma and Narayanamma had won the ZP polls, representing the CPM. Savithramma was chosen vice-president as the seat was reserved for a woman belonging to Backward Class A.

The fact that a CPM candidate ended up as vice-president although the party failed to gain majority in the Panchayat is said to have irked many members.

Sources in the Panchayat said Savithramma used to visit other members’ constituencies along with her own. “She uncovered problems in the constituencies, which irritated the members greatly. The members now hope to stall her authoritative moves by passing a no-confidence vote against Savithramma.”

Officers to task

It is also said that she often took officers to task during discussions on development work in constituencies at Zilla Panchayat progress review and general body meetings.

“She has demanded  clarification on use and misuse of funds. This put members and officers in an uncomfortable situation,” said the Panchayat sources.

Savithramma recently visited the Government Pre-matriculation Boys’ Hostel in Joolapalya in Bagepalli taluk. “This upset the ZP president M V Krishnappa greatly as his brother is the warden of the hostel. There had also been allegations of the boys not being fed for four days,” they said, claiming it a possible reason for the vote.

I have done no wrong, says VP

In response to the decision of the ZP members to call a no-confidence vote against her, Savithramma said, “When have they taken me into confidence? They never discussed matters like government projects or use of funds with me.”

Speaking to Deccan Herald, she said she was never approached and the members and the president of the ZP discussed implementation of programmes and took decisions.

“Yet, I have continued to perform my duties as vice-president without any complaints. I have done nothing that the members should call a no-confidence vote.”