Independent councillor likely to become next Mayor

Hubbali,

An independent councillor is likely to assume the post of Mayor of the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) as the mayoral seat has been reserved for a Scheduled Caste (SC) woman. The term of current May or Jyoti Patil and Deputy Mayor Santosh Chavhan will end on June 30, with elections expected to be held in the first week of July. The ruling BJP does not have any SC women councillors in the corporation. Chandrika Mestri of Ward No. 56 and Durgamma Bijawad of Ward No. 69, both elected as independents after being denied BJP tickets, are the only SC women members in the corporation.

Although they contested independently, both later extended support to the BJP.  Political observers believe the BJP will have to back one of the two councillors for the mayoral post. Since Durgamma Bijawad has already served as Deputy Mayor during the tenure of former Mayor Ramappa Badiger, Chandrika Mestri is emerging as the frontrunner for the Mayor's position. With the Deputy Mayor's post reserved for a General Woman candidate, competition has intensified among aspirants. As per indications, the Mayor's post is expected to go to Hubballi, while Dharwad may get the Deputy Mayor's position.

 Among the prominent contenders are Ratnabai Nazare, Anita Chalageri, Chandrakala Kotabai, Sunita Malodkar. However, the final decision is likely to be taken by senior BJP leaders, including Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, BJP Legislature Party Deputy Leader Arvind Bellad and MLA Mahesh Tenginakai M. Nagaraj, who has been elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha, is yet to take oath as a Member of Parliament and is expected to do so only after June 25. Similarly, Lingaraj Patil, who won the Legislative Council election, can assume office only after taking oath later this month.

Speaking to News Trail, HDMC Floor Leader Iresh Anchatgeri said the notification for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor elections has already been issued. He said all BJP corporators will meet on Saturday to discuss the party's strategy and future course of action. "The decision on candidates for the posts of Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be taken by the party leadership. After taking oath, newly elected MLC Lingaraj Patil and Rajya Sabha member-elect M. Nagaraj will become eligible to cast their votes in the election.They will have to inform the Regional Commissioner about their eligibility, following which a revised voter list and fresh notification may be issued if required," An chatgeri said.

MLA Mahesh Tenginkai said they have not discussed anything about this issue, but only two candidates are in the fray, a decision will be made on this Saturday evening. Former Mayor Shivu Hiremath said Chandrika Mestri is the frontrunner for the Mayor's post. "There are a few aspirants for the Deputy Mayor's position. However, since only two women councillors are eligible to contest for the Mayor's post under the reservation category, there is very little competition this time," he said. News Trail contacted Chandrika Mestri, who is the frontrunner for the mayor post, but she refused to speak.