Mangaluru: Congress had the upper hand in Taluk Panchayat elections as Congress candidates Mohammed Monu and Poornima Ganesh Poojary were elected as the president and vice-president respectively.

Mohammed Monu secured 20 votes while his opponent BJP’s Ramachandra Kumpala could manage 19 votes.

Poornima Ganesh Poojary secured 20 votes and BJP’s Vajrakshee Shetty earned 19 votes.

Election Officer Dr Ashok officially announced and congratulated the newly elected president and vice president.

Speaking on the occasion, Health Minister U T Khader said, “For the overall development of TP, the opposition party should work along with the ruling party. Mangaluru TP should become a role model for all other TP’s.”

While the newly elected president and vice president assumed charge, a lot of Congress party workers rushed into the meeting hall to congratulate them and messed up the situation.

Vajrakshee Shetty of BJP objected to the situation created and complained that there should be some discipline. Party workers shouldn’t barge inside like this. The Election Officer should stop this mess.

Election Officer Dr Ashok then ordered the police to take out the non TP members.

Minister of Fisheries and Sports Abhay Chandra Jain, Mangaluru north MLA Mohiudheen bava, MLC Ian D’Souza and others were present.