Infighting has already begun in the newly-floated Badava Shramika Raitha Congress Party of independent MLA B. Sreeramulu with Bellary city corporation mayor Hanumanthappa forced to resign under pressure from a section of corporators. The resignation of Mr Hanumanthappa paves way for deputy mayor Ibrahim Babu to occupy the post. Mr Govindarajulu, a close confidante of Mr Sreeramulu would be elevated as the new deputy mayor.
The BSR Congress Party came into existence in June this year with Bellary considered its bastion. Most of the elected representatives including some MLAs from Bellary, have aligned with the new party though they were elected on a BJP ticket in the previous polls. When contacted, Mr Hanumanthappa told Deccan Chronicle that he had put in his papers on September 14. He confirmed that Mr Babu would be the new mayor and Mr Govindarajulu his deputy in the Corporation.
A close of aide of Mr Sreeramulu, Mr Babu represents ward 13 in the corporation while Mr Govindarajulu represents ward 24. It may be recalled that a section of corporators had backed the candidature of Mr Babu for the mayor’s post and a meeting in this regard, chaired by Mr Sreeramulu, had decided to seek the resignation of Mr Hanumanthappa. Sources in the party said Mr Babu has been eyeing the coveted post for quite some time and made a futile attempt to occupy the post in the past. He was then reportedly told by party leaders to wait for his turn.