Civic polls put off due to 'kidnap' of councillors

Kolar Gold Fields, Karnataka, Feb 22 (UNI) The elections for the posts of president and vice-president of Robertsonpet City Municipality were postponed to March one, following allegations of 'horsetrading'.

In the 35-member Municipality, Congress has eight councillors, followed by JD(S) and Republic Party of India (RPI) seven each, BJP four, one CPI(M) and eight Independent councillors.

Former Legislator M Bakthavachalam of JD(S) had filed papers for the elections to the post of president, while Sangeetha Kumari (BJP) filed nomination papers for the post of vice-president.

Meanwhile, activists of Congress and CPI(M) staged a rastha roko outside the Municipal office alleging 'kidnap' of few councilors.

Assistant Commissioner Archana, the returning officer, postponed the elections as the atmosphere was 'not conducive' for conduct of elections.

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