KOCHI: Putting an end to uncertainty, Tony Chammany is all set to become the first Congress Mayor of the Kochi Corporation after nearly three-decade-long LDF rule.
40-year-old Tony was nominated as the new Mayor candidate by the Congress through a secret ballot. The polls were held since there were two aspirants for the top post. Tony won with 26 votes while his immediate contender, N Venugopal, could get only 13 votes. Elections were held for the post at the Congress Parliamentary Party meeting held in the city on Sunday.
While Bhadra Satheesh, a first-timer in the Corporation, has been unanimously selected as the Deputy Mayor candidate. The formal elections for the posts of Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be held on Tuesday.
The infighting in the UDF for the Mayoral post began soon after the election results were out. Following this the state leadership suggested voting. The race to the post got hotter after more than three persons entered the foray raising their claims.
KPCC general secretary N Venugopal was the main contender for the post in the beginning. Later, equations turned in favour of Leno Jacob for the first term. However, group equations changed in the last minute in favour of Tony, a nominee of the A group.
After the official announcement, a jubilant Tony said priority would be given to infrastructure development, especially road repair. “The basic amenities in the city need remodelling. I will also try to ensure transparency at the top level,” Tony said.
Deputy Mayor nominee Bhadra Satheesh, too said the development of roads in the city tops the priority list. “Apart from that there are several issues like water-logging, solid waste management and traffic congestion to be solved. We will also give priority to these issues,” Bhadra said.
kochi@expressbuzz.com