BJP, JDS GRABS ZILLA PANCHAYATH POSTS;

Madikeri January 27, 2006

An independent candidate H.S.Ashok today climbed the coveted post of president in Zilla panchayath today with the support of BJP and JDS.

Ashok defeated the congress candidate Sanjay Jeevijaya with 15 – 14 votes. BJP candidate B.C.Neelamma won 15 votes against 14 votes of congress candidate Humayun Baig.

However, congress has won 14 seats out of 29 in the recent election. BJP had won 10, JDS 4 and 1 independent. Independent candidate Ashok was a congress rebel who turned out to be the Kingmaker. BJP and JDS reportedly kept Ashok in a hiding place since four days and convinced him to strengthen their tie.

Deputy commissioner Subodh Yadav was the election officer. CEO Sundar Naik was the ballot officer.

Picture: President H.S.Ashok and Vice president B.C.Neelamma with garland