Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Feb 25: As expected, the BJP has decided to field its corporator Shankar Bhat, presently functioning as the council whip, as its candidate for the post of the city mayor, election for which will be held on Wednesday February 25.

However, Rajani Dugganna has emerged as the party's choice for the post of the deputy mayor, belying earlier expectations that Rajashree or Padnamabh might get the party’s nod. Rajani is presently functioning as the chairperson of the accounts standing committee of the City Corporation.

James D'Souza, Rajani Dugganna, Geeta Nayak and Rajashree were interested in becoming the deputy mayor. The party leaders decided in favour of a Billava candidate, after some parleys.   Party sources revealed that K Padmanabh might now take over as the chairman of the accounts standing committee, which will be vacated by Rajani Dugganna once she is elected to the post of the deputy mayor.

The election is expected to be a smooth affair, as the BJP has absolute majority in the City Corporation.