Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Nov 18: State minister for urban development, S Suresh Kumar, informed on Thursday November 17, that the government is contemplating the option of disqualifying Belgaum mayor, Manda Balekundri, and deputy mayor, Renu Killekar. These two, and several other corporators of Belgaum city face the charge of showing disrespect to the state during Rajyotsava celebrations on November 1.

The minister was speaking to press persons after participating in a meeting of his department officials. He said that additional chief secretary of the department, K M Shviakumar, has been entrusted with task of investigating the above case, and that report on the same is expected to be submitted shortly. “A final decision will be arrived at after consulting legal experts,” he revealed.

“We would have approved of their action if they had protested for the cause of development of their city. But regrettably, both of them have behaved in a way that is detrimental to the interests of the state and Kannada language. The government has taken serious note of this arrogant attitude. We will not be silent spectators for such activities,” Suresh Kumar clarified.

In the meantime, both the deputy mayor and mayor of Belgaum city corporation have challenged the government by claiming that the notices served on them are not legally admissible. "No mention of having obtained approval of competent authority has been made in the notice.  The notice has not pinpointed the sections of the legislations we have violated. The proposed  disciplinary action, planned to be taken on the basis of twisted media reports will be bad in the eys of law. We have not purposefully overlooked Rajotsava celebrations," they said. This is a deviation from their earlier stand that they are not bound to give reply to the notice.