Hectic lobbying for Mayoral polls begin

Election likely on April 26; Mayor’s post reserved for 2A, deputy’s post for general categories

BANGALORE:  The election for the posts of Mayor and Deputy Mayor for Bangalore City is expected to be held on April 26. The term of the incumbent Mayor Sharadamma and Deputy Mayor S Harish will end on April 23. The Mayor’s post is reserved for 2A Category and  the Deputy Mayor’s post is for General Category.  As soon as the tentative election dates were announced, the lobbying for the posts intensified. For the post of Mayor, councillors belonging to Kuruba, Nekara, Tigala, Madiwala and Devanga are eligible.

According to BBMP sources, D Venkatesh Murthy (Katriguppe Ward) who belongs to Kuruba community, is one of the strong contenders for the Mayor’s post. It is said he also enjoys the blessings of State BJP President K S Eshwarappa.

B Somashekhar, second-time councillor from Shakambarinagar (Ward No 179)  who belongs to Kuruba  community and close to Jayanagar MLA Vijaykumar is also a contender. Shanthakumari of Mudalapalya Ward, said to be Housing Minister V Somanna’s candidate, is also in the race.

The aspirants for the Deputy Mayor’s post are many as it is reserved for General Category. Councillors like Ashwathnarayana Gowda (Kodigehalli Ward) and N Nagaraj (Byrasandra) are among them.

When contacted, ruling party leader B R Nanjundappa said BBMP Commissioner M K Shankarlinge Gowda has forwarded a letter to the Election Commission to hold the Mayoral polls on April 26. “We are waiting for the approval,” he said.

When asked about the aspirants for Mayor and Deputy Mayor’s posts, Nanjundappa said the party high command will decide about it. Nanjundappa also said that though there is provision to conduct election for various Standing Committees for BBMP, it will be held a day after the Mayoral polls. Meanwhile, the ruling party President’s post, which will fall vacant after April 23, has also a couple of aspirants. Dr Rajkumar Ward councillor Gangabhyrayya and Vijayanagar councillor Ravindra are eyeing the post. Jayamahal councillor Gunashekar and Madiwala councillor Manjunath Reddy have set their eyes on the Opposition leader’s post. Congress sources said Gunashekar has almost been finalised for the Opposition leader’s post.

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