ADILABAD: Tension prevailed briefly in front of the Khanapur municipal office during the chairman and vice-chairman elections, as BRS and BJP leaders and activists staged a protest against the postponement of the polls in Nirmal district.
Leaders of BRS and BJP alleged that despite having a clear majority, the election was deferred, claiming both parties had agreed to elect a BJP chairman and a BRS vice-chairman. However, ex-officio member and Khanapur Congress
MLA Vedma Bojju Patel objected, demanding the ruling Congress be allowed to prove its majority, reportedly arguing with officials and kicking a table. Following the disruption, officials postponed the election and issued a notice.
In protest, BRS and BJP leaders staged a demonstration outside the municipal office and later sat inside the council hall, alleging misuse of power and claiming seven councillors had supported the BJP candidate before the process was halted. Police were deployed as tensions rose.
The 12-member municipality has no clear majority. The BJP and BRS have four seats each, Congress three, and one Independent, with seven needed to elect a chairman. BJP councillor Sathyavathi fainted and was hospitalised. A bandh has been called on Sunday.