Karnataka - Bijapur   

Many a first-timer in Bijapur zilla panchayat

Staff Correspondent

Two Congress members re-elected for the third consecutive term

BIJAPUR: In the 38-member Bijapur Zilla Panchayat, all but two are first-timers. It was maiden yet successful attempt for majority of them, especially women, thanks to reservations for various caste groups and women.

Former president of zilla panchayat, Yashwantharaygouda Patil and Baburao Metri are the only two members who were re-elected.

Candidates create record

In fact, they created a record of soarts by romping home for the third consecutive term. Both are Congressmen. Though entering the zilla panchayat for the first time, Panchappa Kalburgi of Janata Dal (Secular) is the only other known personality. He has been in the politics for well over two decades but electoral success evaded him.

He unsuccessfully contested the last Legislative Council election from Bijapur local body constituency comprising Bijapur and Bagalkot districts. He also lost two previous zilla panchayat elections.

Legal battle

However, pro-farmer struggle and a fruitful legal battle over Bhima waters he undertook in the last five years endeared him to people and perhaps this factor largely contributed to his victory.

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Many a first-timer in Bijapur zilla panchayat

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