BJP state leaders, who met on Thursday to finalise the candidate for the mayor’s post zeroed in on Shettyhalli corporator R Sharadamma, who had the backing of Bangalore in-charge minister R Ashoka.
Sharadamma, who has studied up to the ninth standard, faced close competition from M Roopa Ramesh, Bilekahalli ward corporator. However, Sharadamma’s name was finalised as she represents Bangalore North, and the outgoing mayor is from Bangalore South.
“The party leaders feared that there would be issues in future if the regional balance is not maintained,” said a BJP source.
S Harish from Nagapura ward was selected by party leaders for the deputy mayor’s post, while BR Nanjundappa from JP Park ward has been chosen for the post of the ruling party leader.
Regional commissioner (Bangalore division) SN Jayaram issued an order stating that elections to the post of mayor and the deputy mayor for the 12th term of the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Council will be held on Friday at the Kempegowda Council Hall at 12.30 pm as per the rules under the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act, 1976.
“As per the guidelines, this time, the post of mayor is reserved for SC (woman) and the deputy mayor’s post is for the backward class (category-A),” the order said.
Congress not to field candidates
The Congress has decided not to field candidates for these elections. At a meeting at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) office, leaders decided so since the party does not have a majority in the BBMP Council.
