The Hindu 22.03.2011
Deputy Mayor objects to Nirvani occupying Mayor’s office
Nirvani tendered resignation as Mayor and later withdrew it
N.B. Nirvani who had resigned as Mayor of Belgaum City Corporation about
a fortnight ago is illegally using the office and other facilities,
including the official car, said Deputy Mayor Dhanraj Gavali.
Mr. Nirvani had resigned on March 9 in protest against the alleged
humiliation caused to him by the officials concerned and the State
Government as he was not taken into confidence while preparations were
being made for the Vishwa Kannada Sammelan held between March 11 and 13.
He alleged that he was not extended the invitation for the inaugural
function also let alone inviting him to other programmes organised as
part of the sammelan. He said that he had resigned as the treatment
meted out to him was a blow to his self-respect.
But, he changed his mind in less than 24 hours and yielded to
counseling by Kannada and Culture minister Govind Karjole, district
in-charge Minister Umesh V. Katti and senior leaders of the district. He
announced to withdraw his resignation sending confusing signals.
However, Mr. Nirvani sent confusing signals by announcing the
withdrawal of his resignation within 24 hours after submitting it. It is
said that he changed his mind after Minister for Kannada and Culture
Govind Karjol, district in-charge Minister Umesh V. Katti and others
spoke to him after he submitted his resignation.
However, Deputy Mayor Dhanraj Gavali, an advocate by profession and
the former Secretary of Belgaum Bar Association, maintained that Mr.
Nirvani had submitted his resignation under Section 10, Clause 5 & 7
of the Karnataka Municipality Act, 1976, to him. Mr. Gavali added that
he had accepted the resignation and forwarded it to the Council
Secretary for the purpose of record.
Once the resignation is accepted as per the KMC Act, the Mayor cannot
withdraw his or her resignation. Therefore, the office of the Mayor of
BCC stands vacant from March 9 and Mr. Nirvani has no legal right to
occupy the office or the Mayor’s chair or use official car and other
facilities. Meanwhile, the Regional Commissioner is still awaiting
clarification from the State Government on holding election to the post
of Deputy Mayor along with the Mayor’s post on March 31.
The term of Mr. Nirvani, had he not resigned, would have ended on
March 30. Since the election to the Deputy Mayor’s post was held on
October 28, the Regional Commissioner has sought clarification on the
matter from the State Government.
