A crucial gathering of BJP corporators took place in Belagavi on Tuesday in preparation for the upcoming mayoral polls of the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC). Chaired by MLC Ravikumar, the session involved discussions with contenders for the mayor and deputy mayor roles. With the tenure of the current office-bearers concluding on February 15, the elections are slated for March 15.
This time, the mayoral position is designated for the general category, while the deputy mayor’s seat is reserved for a general woman. Out of BCC’s 58 wards, BJP holds a majority with 33 seats (previously 35 before the cancellation of two memberships), followed by Congress with 10, AIMIM with one, and 12 independents. Despite minor setbacks, BJP still commands sufficient numbers to secure both posts.
A contest is brewing between candidates representing Kannada and Marathi communities, as well as between aspirants from the city’s northern and southern regions. Leading mayoral contenders include Raju Bathkhande, Nitin Jadhav, and Girish Dhongadi, while aspirants for the deputy mayor’s post comprise Vani Joshi, Rekha Hoogar, and Savita Patil. Several women corporators are urging leadership to ensure their representation.
BJP MLC Ravikumar assured members that the final decision will align with the party’s leadership directives. The meeting was overseen by BJP district president Geeta Sutar, with key leaders such as MLA Abhay Patil and state vice president Anil Benake in attendance.
Read Also: