Congress, BJP workers come to blows at primary agriculture cooperative society in Kittur

Congress and BJP workers came to blows during the election of directors to the primary agriculture cooperative (PAC) society in Kittur in Belagavi district of Karnataka on September 12.

A crowd gathered in front of the PAC office following rumours that Congress workers were trying to postpone the elections, as they were in the minority.

BjP workers complained that some supporters of MLA Babasaheb Patil were trying to kidnap R. Bhimappa, secretary of the society, and thereby ensure that the election does not take place on September 12. When Mr. Bhimappa tried to leave the office in a car along with some members, some BJP workers waylaid the car and damaged its windows.

This led to a heated argument and even exchange of blows.

Mr. Bhimappa was pulled out of the car and taken to the office.

BJP members blamed alleged police inaction for the chaos.

Congress members insisted that they were rescuing the secretary, who was being forced to conduct elections in favour of the BJP.

The PAC director’s election is a precursor to the election of members of the board of directors of the District Central Cooperative Bank. Directors nominated by each PAC are eligible to vote in the Belagavi DCC bank polls scheduled for September 19. Those seeking to vote in the DCC bank should prove their majority in their respective PACs.

The police dispersed the crowd later.

PAC sources said that the elections were postponed, and would be held on a later date.