Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)
Mangaluru, Aug 10: SDPI member T Ismael was elected president of Talapady gram panchayat for the second term. BJP member Pushpavati Shetty was elected vice-president unopposed. In a surprise turn of events, the expected candidate for the post of president, BJP's Satyaraj got defeatedpresident of Talapady gram panchayat as own his supporters opted for SDPI candidate.
Thereare 13 BJP supported members, one Congress member and 10 SDPI supported members in 24 wards in the village administration body. However Congress supported Vaibhav Y Shetty and SDPI supported Habiba D V were absent during the elections held on Sunday, August 10.
There was a contest in the beginning between T Ismael and Satyaraj for the post of president. Both of them had received an equal number of votes. However, T Ismael won while picking the chits as per the orders of the electoral officer. The votes were equal as two among the members had supported the SDPI candidate.
BJP members had brought garlands as there were indications of the win of BJP’s Satyaraj. However, they were disappointed as their party members supported the other candidate. Child development project officer Shwetha took part. Development officer Keshava was present.