BELAGAVI
Clinging on to two plumb positions may become a thing of the past for Belagavi South Independent legislator Sambhajirao Patil, who is simultaneously a city councillor too. After an information obtained under the RTI Act, Patil would soon have to forego one of the positions conforming to the norms set for elected representatives.
RTI activist Bhimappa Gadad who obtained the information, while citing the Election Commision guidelines states that, if a person is elected from more than one division, he should, within three days from the date of last election, by notice in writing signed by him and delivered to the commissioner intimate the division from which he chooses to serve and choice should be final.
"If the candidate does not make the choice referred to a sub-section (1), the commissioner shall determine by a lot, notifying the division from which such candidate shall serve."
Patil was elected as councillor on March 7, 2013, from Ward 15 and two months later, he made it to the Karnataka Assembly on May 5, 2013. However, instead of opting for one post he continues to be both the positions.
Gadad stated that as per the norms the Commissioner of the City Corporation under Karnataka Municipal Act 21 (1976) should decide on his post by draw of lots.
Incidentally, Gadad was the man responsible for getting a saffron flag removed from atop the old administrative of the city corporation and Yellur Maharashtra Rajya board, after information obtained under the RTI.
