Battle for Mayor’s post hots up as Cong and JD(S) stick to their guns
- After Congress enjoyed its turn twice, now, it's the turn of JD(S)
- The Mayor’s post is reserved for Scheduled Caste and the Deputy Mayor’s post is for General (Woman)
- There are 266 votes. To win the required votes are 134
FollowAs the BBMP election nears, the fight for the Mayor's post has begun between the coalition partners - Congress and JD(S). The Congress has already adorned the seat twice and this time, it wants to claim stakes for it. But as per the coalition norms, now its the turn of JD(S). Since the scale can turn in any way, there are aspirants in both the parties, reports Kannada Prabha.
Mayoral polls are set for Sept 28. This time, the Mayor’s post is reserved for Scheduled Caste and the Deputy Mayor’s post for General (Woman). From Congress R Sampatha Raj of Jeevanahalli Ward belonging to SC community and Govinda Raj from Subhash Nagar Ward are vying for the seat. If JD(S) gives in and allows Congress to have the final say then one of the two would be be the Mayor. However, JD(S) is standing firm on its demand for Mayor’s post as they have allowed Congress twice earlier. As per the coalition norm JD(S) should get the opportunity. JD(S) is arguing that there are able candidates in their party also. Congress minister Ramalinga Reddy has acknowledged their demand and said he will discuss with the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in this regard.
Since it has given rise to a hope, aspirants from JD(S) have been put on alert. Mahadev of Marappanapalya Ward and Gangamma of Shakti Ganapathi Nagara Ward are in the forefront from JD(S). If JD(S) gets the Mayor’s post, then one of these two would become Mayor.
For the Deputy Mayor’s post, JD(S) leader Ramila Umashankar, present auditing Standing Committee chairperson Netra Narayanaswamy, members Manjula Narayanaswamy, Padmavathi Narasimhamurthy are in the race. Fierce fight is between Netra Narayanaswamy and Ramila Umashankar. Ramila is demanding to be the Deputy Mayor as she has the experience of being the leader in BBMP and wishes to have a responsible post. Netra Narayanaswamy claims as she has the experience of being the chairperson of Standing Committee, hence she is better suited to discharge the duties of deputy mayor.
Tough competition is also foreseen in Congress if JD(S) gets the Mayor’s post. There are 266 votes. To win, the required votes are 134. As of now BJP has 124, Congress 108, JD(S) 24 and 9 independent votes. The 2 votes of independent can make all the difference.
