ZP chiefs' election: Hectic activity in major parties

Political activities have picked up pace in three main political parties, Congress, BJP and JD(S)following the announcement of zilla panchayat election results.

No party has received a clear majority in the 30-member zilla panchayat. A party needs at least 16 seats assume power in the zilla panchayat. The Congress has won 15 seats while BJP has bagged 5 and JD(S) has won 10 seats.

The MLAS, MLCs and the MPs do not have voting rights in the ZP president and vice-president’s election.

The Congress, as it is just one seat short of majority, is making all efforts to attract members of other parties.

Meanwhile, the talk of an alliance between BJP and JD(S) is also doing rounds. Even if these two parties forge an alliance, they will still be short of one seat for majority. Hence, leaders of both the parties are trying hard to woo Congress members.

MP K H Muniyappa, known for political tactics, is hatching a plan to get the support of BJP and JD(S) candidates. Efforts to contact the Opposition candidates have been intensified. The chances of keeping away some members of the opposition parties on the day of zilla panchayat president and vice president’s election day cannot also be ruled out.

The Congress wants to reserve the zilla panchayat president’s post to a candidate belonging to Backward Class B. Narayanaswamy, who has been elected from Rayalpadu constituency on a Congress ticket in Srinivaspur taluk, is the only candidate hailing from Backward Class B in the district and the party is making efforts to making him zilla panchayat president, it is said.

It is also learnt that there is no question of purchasing members or lobbying if the zilla panchayat president’s post is reserved for  Backward Class B. Also, there will no problem of defection if the members jump from one party to another.

Independent MLA Varthur Prakash and his supporters, who have identified themselves with Congress, are said to be supporting the party. Prakash is said to have told his relatives that he will ensure that the party’s candidates are elected as the president and vice-president of the zilla panchayat, if given responsibility.