BJP MLA Abhay Patil has sharply criticized the disqualification of two Belagavi City Corporation members, calling it an act of political vendetta. Speaking to the media at Khau Katta on Tuesday, Patil defended BJP corporators Jayant Yadav (Ward No. 23) and Mangesh Pawar (Ward No. 41), who were disqualified by Regional Commissioner Sanjay Shettannanvar for allegedly violating the Karnataka Municipal Corporations (KMC) Act on conflict of interest grounds.
Patil rejected the charges, asserting that neither of the corporators had breached any rules regarding conflict of interest or office of profit. The disqualification stemmed from their failure to return to shops allotted to their wives at Rani Channabhairadevi Tinisu Katte (food street), after their election. The Regional Commissioner argued this was a violation of Sections 26 (1) and (2) of the KMC Act.
However, Patil accused the officials of acting under political pressure, calling the decision politically motivated. He announced that the disqualified corporators would challenge the order in court, while also filing a complaint with the Governor about the Regional Commissioner. He emphasized that they would also approach the Union government to ensure accountability.
Patil questioned the legal foundation of the disqualification, pointing out that the food street was constructed by the Public Works Department, not the city corporation, making the disqualification unwarranted. He argued that the shops were won through auction two years before the corporators took office and that there was no political influence involved. “Even a fool can understand this, but the Regional Commissioner seems to have his own law,” Patil remarked.
The MLA hinted at the possibility of more disqualifications by the Congress-led government but expressed defiance, stating, “They may do it, but we will take our fight to the people.” He refrained from naming the politician believed to be behind the move, adding, “Everybody knows who is responsible. I have no time for such things.”
The disqualification has sparked a political controversy in Belagavi, setting the stage for both legal and political challenges.
