Gadag: The BJP faced a surprising defeat in the Gajendragarh municipality due to internal rebellion. Rebel candidate Subhas Mageri was elected president, and Congress’s Savita Bidaralli became vice president. Mageri and Bidaralli secured 13 votes, defeating BJP candidates Yamanappa Tirakoji and Sujatabai Shingri, who received 11 votes.
Despite holding a majority with 18 out of 23 members, the BJP lost control of the municipality because seven members rebelled, reportedly influenced by Congress leaders Siddappa Bandi and Murtuja Dalayat. These members defied the party whip, leading to the unexpected outcome.
Congress workers celebrated the victory with firecrackers and colors, while the new president and vice president were honored with garlands. MLA G.S. Patila supported the rebels, citing lack of coordination and perceived discrimination within the BJP. He emphasized that the rebels were driven by a commitment to serve the people and bring development to their wards.