DC court disqualifies CMC membership of two Congress workers

The Kodagu DC Court on Wednesday has disqualified the City Municipal Council (CMC) membership of Shreemathi Bangera and Veenakshi on the grounds of defection.

During the election to the post of CMC president and vice president on September 9, the two Congress members had violated the whip and supported BJP candidates. Accusing the two members of involving in anti-party activities, the Congress had filed a complaint in the DC court.

Deputy Commissioner Richard Vincent D’Souza has disqualified their membership as per Karnataka Local Authorities (Prohibition of Defection) Act. The CMC has 23 members, of which Congress—10, BJP—8, SDPI—4 and JD(S)—1.

The second term of the CMC president was reserved for woman (general) while vice president was reserved for general categry. As BJP MP Prathap Simha, MLA Appachu Ranjan, MLC Sunil Subramani, and Congress MLC Veena Acchaiah had voting power, the election had taken an interesting turn.

For the post of president, Kaveramma Somanna of Congress and Anitha Poovaiah of BJP had filed their nominations. For the post of vice president Prakash Acharya of Congress and T S Prakash of BJP had filed their nominations. Shreemathi Bangera and Veenakshi and rebelled against the candidature of Kaveramma. Even JD(S) member Sangeetha Prasanna had supported the BJP candidate.

As the two members had supported the BJP, the BJP and Congress had received equal votes of 13-13 for the post of president and vice president. Finally, the name of president and vice president was picked through a lottery. As a result, Congress won the post of president while BJP won the post of vice president.

To approach HC

Questioning the disqualification of membership, Shreemathi and Veenakshi will approch the High Court. “I have worked for the progress of the Congress for the last 25 years and the party has suspended me,” said Bangera.

She added that she will decide on her future political career shortly. Veenakshi said, “Those Congress leaders who have disrespected honest party workers should be suspended. I will approach the High Court questioning the order of the DC. Iam a honest party worker,” she added.