Political tension rises over no confidence motion against Hassan City Municipal Council president

HASSAN: JD(S) members have filed a no-confidence motion against Chandregowda, who represents Ward 9 of the city. In the 35-member council, JD(S) holds 17 seats, the BJP 13, Congress 2, and there are three independents. Additionally, MP Shreyas Patel, MLA H.P. Swaroop Prakash, and Legislative Council member Suraj Revanna have voting rights, bringing the total number of votes to 38.
To survive the no-confidence vote, Chandregowda needs the support of at least 13 members. JD(S), on the other hand, requires 26 votes to pass the motion. While Chandregowda is striving to retain his post, former minister H.D. Revanna, local MLA H.P. Swaroop Prakash, and MLC Suraj Revanna are reportedly working together to remove him.
JD(S) leaders remain optimistic about ousting Chandregowda. “The party has 17 members, and we are confident that BJP members will support us. Two independents are also with us. The stance of Congress is unknown. Therefore, we believe we will be able to pass the no-confidence motion,” a party leader said. However, JD(S) cannot rely solely on BJP support and must also secure backing from independent members.
Chandregowda, meanwhile, remains confident. “I have good relations with all members and have worked for the city's development beyond party lines. I have everyone’s support and will defeat the no-confidence motion,” he said.
According to an internal party agreement, Chandregowda was elected for a term of six months, which has now ended. “I had asked for an extension to better understand the functioning of the council, but my request was denied,” he said.
Notably, while the BJP and JD(S) have an alliance at the state level, the BJP unit in Hassan has yet to officially accept JD(S) as a partner—something that could work in Chandregowda’s favour. Former MLA Preetham J. Gowda is reportedly trying to capitalise on this by rallying BJP support for Chandregowda in an attempt to challenge the influence of Revanna and Swaroop.
A meeting was reportedly held where BJP members were instructed to back Chandregowda, though it remains unclear whether all members will follow suit.