The City Municipal Council has a “tradition” of replacing the presidents at least once in every six months. Raveesh had become the president following swift political development (Operation Kamala), ten months ago. He ditched Congress for BJP and captured power with the support of “like-minded” members.
The previous incumbents, Aslam Pasha of Congress and Ole Chandraiah of JD(S) were unseated as president and vice-president respectively, also by a no confidence motion. In fact, Raveesh was rewarded with the president’s post by BJP, JD(S) and Congress members for his role in the entire exercise. Surprisingly, he has been dethroned without allowing even one year in power.
A total of 28 members (12 of Congress, six each from BJP and JDS, and four Independents) in the 35-member body had decided to move no confidence motion and accordingly, a meeting was called on Monday. Seven councillors and the legislator who didn’t subscribe to the motion stayed away from the meeting.
On the other hand, Raveesh was admitted to Manipal Hospital in the City for kidney-related problems. He had sent his resignation to the Deputy Commissioner in the morning. The meeting had commenced by the time the DC forwarded the resignation to the municipal commissioner. The commissioner brought the resignation to the notice of the meeting chairman. However, as the resignation was still not accepted, the councillors moved no confidence motion, which was passed in the meeting. Hanumantharayappa was elected acting president unanimously, on the occasion.
However, legislator Sogadu Shivanna has taken serious exception to the frequent change of guard at the City Municipal Council. “I am ashamed to call these people as councillors. None is interested in development of the City. All are engaged in this game for money,” he has fumed.
Expressing doubts that the councillors would strive for development, the MLA said that he will present the “anarchy” in the CMC before the government seeking dissolution of the elected body and appointment of an administrator.
BJP member Lakshminarasima Raju said that the legislator had instructed Raveesh to tender resignation and the latter too had agreed to relinquish power. “The councillors acted in haste. He would have resigned anyway in a week,” he said.