Dharwad: Hectic political activities are on in both the Congress and the BJP houses in the district, following announcement of by-election for Hebballi Zilla Panchayat Constituency. The seat was vacant following the murder of sitting BJP member Yogeeshgouda Goudar, who was brutally murdered on June 16 in his gym.
The election assumes importance because the result would decide the continuation of the BJP in power in Dharwad ZP. Besides this the election has become a prestige issue for both district in-charge minister Vinay Kulkarni and BJP MP Pralhad Joshi who will try their best to win the seat.
As per the notification issued by the State Election Commission the election process for the by-election for Hebballi constituency in Dharwad Zilla Panchayat would begin with filling of nominations from Nov 7 and election would be held on Nov 20 and the counting of votes will be held on Nov 23.
Goudar was arrested the previous night of the election for allegedly disturbing police to from doing their duty. He won the election being in custody which had triggered sensation and the BJP had captured the power taking help from independent candidate.
Prior to the killing of Yogeesh Goudar, the BJP had 11 seats in the 22 member Dharwad ZP, while the Congress had 10. One seat was held by an independent candidate Shivanand Karigar,
After the death of Goudar the tally has come to 10-10 for both BJP and Congress. The Congress was keen to wrest the power in ZP from the BJP, but was lacking in number by a whisker. The only independent candidate supported BJP and was made ZP vice president.
Now with the score tied at 10-10 if the Congress wins the Hebballi seat it would capture the power, if the BJP wins it would continue in power.
It is said 14 candidates including Gurunathgouda the brother and Mallamma the widow of slain Goudar are in the race for BJP ticket.
In Congress the defeated candidate of last time Basavaraj Ronad and Channabasappa Matti are strong candidates aspiring for ticket. The JD(s) is also making serious efforts this time to enter ZP.
