Bengaluru: The JD(S) seems to have sent out feelers to the Congress for some sort of an alliane in the run up to the Mayoral Polls in the BBMP. They have indicated that they are open to forming an alliance in this regard with the Congress. However only a portion of the Congress, most of them being from the anti-Siddaramaiah faction are showing some interest in this move. The Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah himself may not approve of this move, as he beleives that the mandate is not in their favour.
The Math is rather complicated though. While the Congress has 76 seats, the JDS has 14,which makes a total of 90. They would need another 14 to get a simple majority, which for the BJP should be a cakewalk with their 100 seats and the possible infusion of 4 independents. Even with the addition of the 8 other winners, the Congress JDS tally will only reach 98, which would in no way help their cause.
128 is the magic number required to elect the Mayor and the the Dy. Mayor, which the BJP’s spokesperson S Prakash says is not a problem. They will get the absolute majority with the help of the independents and their 26 MLAs in the assembly will aid in the voting for the post of Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
Prakash says that BJP leader, R Ashoka could make an announcement on the BBMP mayoral polls sometime today. He also dismissed the move by the JD(S), suggesting that the JD(S) was trying to send a message to the BJP, but they are not buying into it.
Who will be the Mayor?
Lobbying is on for the posts of Mayor and Dy. Mayor in the BJP. BJP’s R. Ashoka, a senior party leader will take the final call sources say. The party is looking for experience to reward voter faith.
Some of the names that are doing the rounds are Nagaraju N, Umesh Shetty, Padmanabha Reddy, and L Srinivas a former Deputy Mayor. Strong chances that the mantle may fall on L Srinivas to lead the Corporation. He has been a Deputy Mayor. Moreover he is the corporator from the Kumaraswamy layout which falls under the Padmanabha constituency of which Ashoka is the MLA.
However the BJP is yet to take any decision on the matter.
