Raitha Sangha and Congress in a tug of war for post of president

The tug of war between the Raitha Sangha and the Congress for the post of President of Pandavapura Cooperative Sugar Factory (PSSK) has forced postponement of the elections to the factory. Now, with the Election Commission directing to the maintain status quo over the issue, one of the Congress aspirants, who had filed his nomination, will have to be elected for the post.

This has come as a shocker to the Raitha Sangha, which had failed to file nominations till the last day due to the prevailing confusions. Now, no new nominations can be filed.
There was a misunderstanding between the Congress and Raitha Sangha over fielding candidates for the post. In the election held for the post of Director, Raitha Sangha and Congress supported candidates had joined hands, against the JD(S). But the friendship was shortlived as their opinions differed when it came to power sharing.

In the election held for office-bearers, six candidates supported by Raitha Sangha, six supported by Congress and one supported by JD(S) had won. But for the post of President, both the factions were adamant that one of their candidates should adorn the post.

Accordingly, it was decided to hold the elections for the posts of President and Vice-President for PSSK, on February 7.

B C Krishnegowda, P Dhananjaya and J Somashekar filed their nominations from Congress, while J Somashekar filed for the post of Vice-President from the party. Raitha Sangha leaders who opposed the same demanded the President post be spared for their candidates.

The intervention of Minister Ambareesh and MLA K S Puttannaiah with the office-bearers trying to solve the problem proved futile. As the meeting failed to reach a consensus, the Raitha sangha members were absent for the meeting held in view of the elections, and Congress, which had fielded two contestants due to internal bickerings too did not attend the meeting. Finally, the meeting was postponed due to lack of quorum.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Pandavapura Assistant Commissioner Vani, who is also the election officer said she had written to the Election Commission seeking their suggestions.

As per their directions, the elections will be held soon. Only after the election of President and Vice-president, works related to the development of the factory can be taken up.