Karnataka: Suspension Looms For Panchayat Officials For Excluding RDPR Minister Priyank Kharge's Name From Invitation Card

The Executive Officer (EO) of Moodbidri Taluk Panchayat, Dayavathi, and the Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) of Iruvail Gram Panchayat, Kanthappa, have been suspended.

This action was taken due to their supposed violation of the protocol by not mentioning the name of Rural Development and Panchayti Raj (RDPR) minister Priyank Kharge on the invitation cards for the inauguration of the new building in Iruvail panchayat.

In response to the suspensions, Moodbidri MLA Umanath Kotian has issued a warning.

He stated that if the orders to suspend the EO and PDO are not withdrawn by Tuesday, he will organise a protest outside the office of DK Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Anand K.

During a press conference in Moodbidri on Monday, MLA Kotian explained that both the EO and PDO had followed the protocol guidelines issued by the DC's office when printing the invitation cards for the inauguration of the Iruvail Gram Panchayat building, which was scheduled for Monday.

The new panchayat building will be inaugurated by the district In-charge Minister in the presence of Assembly speaker U T Khader, as mentioned on the invitation card.

Kotian clarified that the invitation listed the MP as the chief guest and no names were excluded from it.

The inauguration of the new building was postponed three days prior due to alleged violation of protocol guidelines on the invitation card.

MLA Kotian further added that "Fearing disciplinary action both the EO and PDO postponed the programme. Yet they both were placed under suspension".

When asked about whether the EO and PDO were punished for omitting the name of RDPR minister Priyank Kharge from the invitation card, the MLA responded by pointing out that there are 5950 gram panchayats in Karnataka.

He questioned the existence of a rule that mandates the invitation of the panchayat minister to gram panchayat-related programmes, emphasising that the suspension of two government officers was unjust and a result of political pressure.