GULBARGA: The Congress retained the posts of president and vice-president in Jewargi Taluk Panchayat defeating the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in a bitterly contested election. The election meeting was postponed on January 23 as the House was not in order.

Assistant Commissioner and Returning Officer Ramesh Begar said here on Tuesday that unlike the previous election meeting, Tuesday's election was peaceful. The officials had posted additional forces in the town and videographed the election proceedings.

He said while Ahmed Patel was elected president of the taluk panchayat, Nagamma Chandrakant was elected vice-president.

The post of president was reserved for Backward Class A category while that of vice-president was reserved for General Women category.

Mr. Patel defeated Basavaraj Revanasiddappa of the BJP polling 12 votes as against 10 secured by the latter.

Ms Nagamma polled 12 votes to defeat Shailaja Mahantgowda of the BJP, who secured 10 votes.

In the House of 22, the Congress won 11 seats while the BJP had 10 members.

The independent candidate was elected from Nelogi constituency with the support of the BJP. However, the Congress managed to get the support of the independent candidate.

The elections in the taluk panchayat had become a prestige issue for Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh who represents Jewargi in the Legislative Assembly.

At the election meeting held on January 23, the BJP members protested against the way in which the election was being conducted and the Returning Officer had adjourned the meeting.

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