Mangalore: 7 months since election - No mayor, no development


Mangalore: 7 months since election - No mayor, no development

Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Sep 22: It has been nearly seven months since the Congress romped home to victory in the Urban Local Body (ULB) elections held in March and returned to treasury benches in Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) council. The ULB election win gave the Congress the kind of push it needed, to once again trounce the BJP in the assembly elections that followed the ULB elections. But the euphoria of Congress win in the ULB elections in Mangalore City Corporation quickly evaporated as the council has not been formed. There is frustration both among the elected corporators and the general public who feel let down. Some of the first-time Corporators have lost their rapture not knowing how to handle the period of uncertainty or how to answer the people that elected them.

The public, who gave the mandate to the Congress after a gap of five years and handed over the reins of the City Corporation from BJP, are a disillusioned lot today. They feel that the Congress has failed to take up the challenge of providing good governance at the local level. A number of political, personal, caste and religious issues topped by the greediness for power have prevented the government from taking a quick decision to come out with a reservation list which could have helped corporators from assuming office. With that the development process would have moved on.

Due to the present imbroglio even after seven months of coming to power, there is no elected body at MCC and the developmental programmes are in a total disarray. The elected Corporators have not taken oath after winning and the issue of reservation of Mayor’s post seems to the epicenter of the present logjam facing the Congress party which has won majority in the MCC. For the last one year the responsibility of running the administration has been shouldered by the deputy commissioner and the officials of the city corporation.


What caused delay

First there was a delay of nearly six months as the newly elected government in the state took its own sweet time to come out with the announcement of the reservation quota list. Finally, the list came out announcing the reservation to a woman candidate under the general category last month. Subsequently, Congress was to hold Mayoral elections on September 12, 2013. In the meantime, JD(S) Corporator Aziz Kudroli brought a stay order from the High Court for the election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor, which further delayed Mayoral elections. It also means the elected corporators will not be able to assume office or hold the council till the court verdict. Aziz Kudroli had filed a writ petition challenging the government’s decision to reserve the Mayoral post of MCC to a woman candidate for the fourth time (including the latest list) in the last six years.

Jacintha Alfred, one of the senior Corporators of the Congress Party and whose name was under circulation for mayor’s post, says government is seized of the matter and will come out with a befitting solution. She says she had not aspired or lobbed for Mayor’s post and hence she does not want to comment of Aziz Kudroli’s stay order as she did not aspire for it. She refused to comment on the stay order for the mayoral election but stated that she felt sad to see the developmental work of the city corporation coming to a standstill since last January.


Hidden agenda?

There are eight Municipal Corporations in Karnataka. But none of them had Mayor’s post reserved for women like they had it in Mangalore. In Gulbarga Municiapal Corporation in the last eight years no seat is reserved for women and in Bellary in the last five years Mayor’s seat is not reserved for women. It is said that there are a few agents, some engineers and contractors and a few politicians who lobby hard for ensuring Mayor’s seat for women in MCC with an axe to grind.

Mangalore City Corporation therefore has become the favourite hunting ground for all these people involved to install a rubber stamp mayor and get things done. Needless to say they feel they can manipulate women easily and hence they work overtime to that the Mayor’s seat is reserved for women. It seems there was a strong lobby this year also resulting in delay in the government coming out with the reservation and they almost succeeded until Aziz Kudroli frustrated their moves.


Aziz strikes a decisive blow

After the announcement of the government reservation list the Congress was getting ready for Mayoral elections and its members had zeroed in on 4-time corporator from Milagres Jacintha Vijaya Alfred for the post of Mayor. Another candidate Appy’s name was also under consideration but she may get another opportunity if the posts are reserved for SC/ST’s and so her name was not considered. Corporator Pratibha Kulal from Surathkal was also considered capable for the post and her name was also under consideration. But finally the party members had decided to elect Jacintha Alfred considering her seniority.

In the meantime, there were rumours agog both within the Congress and outside that Aziz is financially supported by a senior Congress Corporator belonging to the same party as Jacintha, fearing that Jacintha’s elevation would obstruct his chances of donning the Mayor’s post in the current period of Congress tenure.

All these rumors are in circulation in hushed tones as none want to name the person and face his wrath. These rumours gained credence because it is argued that Aziz Kudroli (with only two seats of JD(S) ) will has no stake in the post of the Mayor and hence his going to the court will not help. In this backdrop many in the Congress circles believe that the Congress Corporator is behind Aziz’s decision to go to the court. In a meeting held soon after, District in-charge minister Ramanatha Rai even had said that the corporator who had opted to oppose the party decision should be ‘treated with footwear’.

Aziz Kudroli says he is neither an aspirant (he cannot) for the Mayor’s post nor is he inclined to play spoilsport. But he says he is fighting against the injustice with regard to roster system adopted by the government which is wrong. “In the last six years it is the fourth time (including the present) the Mayoral post is reserved for a woman in MCC, which is in violation of the rotation system. So I have pointed out the mistakes of the government”, Aziz declares. He denied the rumours of Congress corporator supporting him saying “the Congress is adept in finding a scapegoat for its own follies”.

According to Congress sources there is a move within the Congress seeking cancellation of the stay given to him. But Aziz and his supporters are planning to give a representation to counter this move.

Aziz has a supporter in BJP Corporator from Kambla ward Naveenchandra who says that Aziz did the right thing in going to the court on this issue. “The court gives the stay only if there is a merit in the petition. If Aziz has succeeded in getting the stay it means his complaint has some merit”, Naveenchandra asserts. There have been instances earlier where people had camped in Bangalore to lobby hard to change the roster system. There are enough examples in MCC alone in the recent past where people had manipulated with the roster system. If unchecked this kind of scheming would prove detrimental for the people of Mangalore, Naveenchandra asserts.


Development process stalled

The present problem should be viewed with a wider perspective. It is not that Congress party alone is in a dilemma due to the current chaos. This uncertainty and delay is a matter of great concern to the people of Mangalore because in the absence of an elected body the developmental trajectory of the city has come to a grinding halt. While some corporators are vocal about having a tough time as they could not initiate any developmental work, a few others are adopting a belligerent attitude as if there isn’t much change in the developmental process in the absence of an elected body.

Jacintha Alfred says it is difficult especially for women corporators as they face lot of harassment from the public as they could not initiate developmental work. Deepak Poojary, Corporator from Kavoor, says that he has been able to get the work done in his ward by giving representation to the DC’s office. First time corportor Radhakrishna of Urva ward says the present imbroglio has been a big setback for undertaking any work in the ward. “If there is council, decisions can be taken quickly so that the development work initiated can become a reality”.

Mangalore MLA J R Lobo says, “Though development work is not going at the rate with which we had expected, the work of the corporation will go on unhindered even if the council is not functioning. Grants will keep coming for the development work related to the corporation. The only difference is that people’s representatives will not be there and hence execution will not be that easy”.

It may be a few more months before the High Court to takes up the matter to deliver its judgment. Once the matter is cleared it may take another year or so for new corporators to assume office, put their act together, get grant sanctioned and work done, which may taken another year. So in a way the real process of development will begin in another 12 to 14 months which means that the city Corporation’s work will not progress for another 1½ year. This way out of the five year term given to the Congress more than 2 years will have gone wasted without undertaking any developmental work.

Now the rainy season has come to an end and work related to road repair etc., should start. But there are loads of pending files which await sanction of the council. With bills pending for so long it is even difficult to find contractors to undertake the work. In the issue of petty politics it is the people who are suffering the most. One only hopes the court will settle the issue soon and Congress stalwarts will be able to find a quick way out from the muddle it finds itself in.

  

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Comment on this article

  • rakshith, mangalore

    Tue, Feb 11 2014

    I think we should as for re election and let the aam aadmi party also compete and give them a chance.. Is there a provision for that..

    DisAgree [2] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • anu,

    Mon, Nov 25 2013

    I want to Know the case no of this petition filed ..Please

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • SS Karkera, Mangalore

    Fri, Oct 11 2013

    Why they want developing Mangalore? They want to gain full of money in thier pocket.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • J.F.D'SOUZA, ATTAVAR,MANGALORE

    Tue, Sep 24 2013

    Already 7 months over without Mayor. Better not to have Mayor till April/May14. Developmental works are standstill. Let the MCC Commissione carry out the duties of the Mayor by providing funds to the Corporators. Let the Mayor be appointed for full term for next year. Is it O.K?

    DisAgree [2] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sachidanand Shetty, Mundkur/Dubai

    Mon, Sep 23 2013

    As it is there are no funds left out in Current Government’s treasury after honoring all free bees promised by them. So, it doesn’t make any difference if we have Mayor and his Team. Any how it will again goes to reserved category only neglecting deserved ones

    DisAgree [2] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Stany D'sa, Balehonnur/Dubai

    Mon, Sep 23 2013

    It is really shame our political system is prone to corruption and mismanagement as such overwhelmingly Congress is not a exception at all. Where is JR Lobo is he sleeping under the carpet? Once the leaders get elected they are quickly out of public domain. I am really sorry to say that it gives us real benefit of doubt that we have no good congress governance in place. Siddu along with local ministers must act now at this very moment and sort out this stinky mess. It is a pity Mangalur is suffering because of Illegitimate corporation?

    DisAgree [4] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • malcolm, Dadra & Nagar Haveli , Gujrat

    Mon, Sep 23 2013

    People who voted Cong in ULB are definately OK with the situation as their leaders dreaming of greater mangalore and some more project only on newspaper not in even govt files.Last seven months these congis gave only modi bashing dose from Incharge ministers -MLAs-Dist Leaders till karyakartas only indulging in targetting modi as feku. Last week some congi men even told BJP that modi issue is " VINASHA KAALE VIPARITA BUDDHI" now the congis needs to be corrected as " VIKAASA KAALE VISHAALA BUDDHI"
    Let us thank Mr.BSY for his direct grant of 100cr to MCC mangalore so that what we can see some concrte roads in around magalore.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • M.K., Mulky/Dubai

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    Congress can make only governemnt not governance.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [31] Reply Report Abuse

  • R.Bhandarkar, M'lore

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    Dear All
    Read Caption Carefully:7 Months only.......Would be Mayor still in 'Womb'...Give 2 more months...Pusuk he/she will come out...Gaurentee...
    You don't want a 'premature' or 'still born' Mayor do you?

    DisAgree [5] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • Das, Kudla

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    Mayor should be man of action. Well these days just to meet Mayor, we should take appointments. Here mayor are fit to go in laal bathi vehicles and attend functions for ribbon cut.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ram Hegde, Udupi

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    The fact remains that the government has already released the reservation for all the local bodies though delayed due to the legal procedure that was being undertaken by the High Court of Karnataka in relation to the reservation criteria.Now so Called MR.AZIZ was soo smart that his stupid good for nothing JDS cant assume power in the MCC was jealous against a woman being made the Mayor.Y wasnt Aziz alive when men were being made the mayor consecutively before the criteria which gave woman a chance to become a Mayor.The government has very well and legally done its part in setting up the reservation criteria in a very just manner without any bias or inclination to a particular party if there would be any such foul play in the process of annoucing the reservation then Local Bodies in others local bodies wouldnt have assumed charge aswell there would be MORE MR.AZIZ like to stop such processes. It is nothing but one among the corporator itself is the one responsible for not letting the local body be formed no point in blaming the government or a party for that matter of fact.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • simple, Bangalore

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    Ramakrishna K, Mangalore
    Simple, Bangalore

    Wow so quickly, intelligently you gave a solution, and a very good one too!!!

    if we have people like you in the MCC there will not be such lapses at all as quick solutions are with you.

    3 other women were elected as Mayor previously and this Aziz kept quiet but 4th time it suddenly became too much for him to bear...
    Poor chap, seems to me he is anti-women in higher positions or anti-....

    DisAgree [7] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • J.Crasta, Mangalore/USA

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    Agree CENTRIST is the present and future Ideology accepted by all moderates of India,number of moderates are growing,need of the hour is to keep any right wing government at bay.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • N.M, Mangalore

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    We are stuck with a lethargic "grand old party" and a religion obsessed "right wing Party". One party sleeps and another party gives only big talks.

    The need for India today is a new centrist, liberal and progressive party which will focus only on NATION BUILDING & DEVELOPMENT. I hope people will agree with me.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • Lingappa, Kuppepadavu/ Dublin

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    Why do we need a Mayor ? There is no value add. Except for the fact that Mayors make sxxt load of money.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • steven, Sharjah

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    If we read the entire article the reason of delay are many. The then ruling party has havocked the system of MCC and now, to bring into effective functioning body is the only matter of time.

    DisAgree [13] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • A. Mangalore, Mangalore. KSA

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    Let the Chief Minister of Karnataka interfere into this issue and do something to clear the court decision as soon as possible. We need a development work very fast. The BJP earlier did nothing in Mangalore development. MLA and MP's were only busy making huge money. Normal Bhajana Mandali organizer BJP MP now Crorepathi. Ha Ha Haa

    DisAgree [15] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Indian, Mangalore

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    Today congress is in power only because of CBI and not because of their development. We Indian's are suffering because there is no good governance. Even if BJP comes to power they will also do the same thing.

    So as of now AAM ADMI PARTY is far better.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [42] Reply Report Abuse

  • Allen, Mangalore

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    Is it necessary to have a Mayor??

    DisAgree [9] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • Indian, Mangalore

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    Is it necessary to have CM and PM?

    DisAgree [7] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • Desi Jawan, Mangalore

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    Do you mean to say people like moun m.S.?

    DisAgree [9] Agree [36] Reply Report Abuse

  • Desi Jawan, Mangalore

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    True colour of congress comes to light here. Congress and their corrupt leaders have taken our nation backwards under their rule of 66 years. Where are the people who talked big before MCC elections to answer people of Mangalore the reasons for the delay in electing the Mayor and what steps they have taken for the development of the city.

    DisAgree [10] Agree [43] Reply Report Abuse

  • R.N. Pujari, Manglore - Mumbai

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    From 60 Yrs Congress is having the habit of sleeping they wake up when election date is announced this is not the party mistake , Karnataka public are fools to elect this type of !!KUMBAKARNA!! PARTY now at least MEDIA REPORT AIRED hope Congress after 7 months sleep open the eyes....and elect MAYOR ASAP

    DisAgree [5] Agree [44] Reply Report Abuse

  • jeevan, mangalore

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    Kudla is safe without mayor...

    DisAgree [11] Agree [50] Reply Report Abuse

  • Durgadas Suvarna, BLORE/MLORE

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    Power hunger congies and shame on them still unable to elect a mayor as it's already 7 months since the election got over. Now all our congi agents from Mapusa, Yanbu, Puttur, moodabidri etc hiding now.

    DisAgree [11] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rudolf, Mangalore/Mumbai

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    BTW, when is the proposed Metro Rail project work starting, we want to enjoy it!!!

    DisAgree [1] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sunil, Mangalore / Mumbai

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    Picture abhi baki hai

    DisAgree [4] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ramakrishna. K. , Mangalore

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    Wait for another 5 months and the Term for One Mayor will be over, of course without any actual Mayor.
    Just like King Bharat ruled in Ayodhya by keeping Rama's Paduka on the throne, here also Cong can Rule by keeping Sonia or Rahul's Paduka on Mangalore Mayor's Seat.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [60] Reply Report Abuse

  • For Justice, Abu Dhabi / Ubar

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    nice one.

    DisAgree Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse

  • Harold D'cunha, Mangalore, India

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    MCC Mangalore, we have voted for better governance.
    Mr. Janardhana Poojary, if have some ethics and whatever Azis has done is true, terminate him from the congress party. We want honest leaders who will work for MCC.

    Corporator's pls keep your politics within four walls and work for the betterment of MCC. Otherwise in 2014, people will reject Congress. Be careful.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [27] Reply Report Abuse

  • akshay, Mangalore / Dubai

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    wherever congress wins the development work gets hit congress works only on vote bank & freebies politics once they win they are least bothered of development and progress whatever development we have seen was during BJP tenure congress was ruling mangalore corporation area for 50 years we hardly seen any progress BJP took up the road development concrete roads are laid all over using world bank loan , they increased dam height to provide drinking water , land was acquired with good scheme to broaden the roads which is quite visible in car street whole city landscape changed during 10 years of BJP rule in mangalore city corporation now we are back to square one after congress back to power they may be waiting for instruction from High comand in delhi we may have to wait for 5 more years

    DisAgree [4] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • kiran, mangalore

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    So the Moral of the story " Keep Congis away" Vote for "Development"
    Congi natak party " minsters making show off giving surprise visit to hospitals and many more"

    DisAgree [9] Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse

  • DINESH SHETTY, PADUBIDRI/DUBAI

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    Congi.Govt.is least bothered about
    the people's problem.They think if
    they don't do any work they will winthe next parliment election without any trouble.After all where is Mr.Janardan Poojari who is talking people's problem only in
    press conferance.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [34] Reply Report Abuse

  • G R PRABHUJI, BEJAI

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    Our Governor also Congi side,that is why he also sitting quite.And our some congi political leaders calls Press meet for silly reasons,Where are they now?

    DisAgree [10] Agree [42] Reply Report Abuse

  • MANGALOREAN..., MANGALORE

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    THIS SHOWS MANGALORE'S CONDITION IS IN ICU NOW....

    DisAgree [9] Agree [57] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jay, Mangalore

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    This is the true picture of the great old congress... All are busy making money to recover their election campaign expenditure. Congress knows that they have just 4 years and 4 months before they are kicked out. So making money till everyone have their bank account filled

    DisAgree [14] Agree [34] Reply Report Abuse

  • CONRAD JOHN TAURO, SHIRVA/UDUPI/DUBAI

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    Now opposition party will demand presidents rule.

    DisAgree [20] Agree [37] Reply Report Abuse

  • V..D..K, Mangalore / Dubai

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    Conrad...best pandarr!!!

    DisAgree [8] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • KRPrabhu, Mangalore/Bangalore

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    CON RAD THA!!!Kithe monu radtha?

    DisAgree [4] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • G R PRABHUJI, BEJAI

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    Now tell me which party is better,BJP or Congi.??

    DisAgree [13] Agree [64] Reply Report Abuse

  • RR, Mangalore

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    BJP at least having majority in MCC made Ms.Gulzar Banu of Congress as Mayor.Whether Congis show the same courtecy towards other party now if it has no capable persons to become Mayor?

    DisAgree [7] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Durgadas Suvarna, BLORE/MLORE

    Sun, Sep 22 2013

    RR, Mangalore it's not the question of electing a Mayor in congi. In congress all the people are hungry for power and everyone wants to become mayor. That's the reason its causing an delay.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • KRPrabhu, Mangalore/Bangalore

    Mon, Sep 23 2013

    Why great leader Jannu anna who lead the ULB elections in DK is now MUM? Whether things are not in his control?He has time to address press meet on Advani,Modi matters and no time to take up time in MCC election issue?Very strange and insulting indeed.

    DisAgree Agree [6] Report Abuse


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Title: Mangalore: 7 months since election - No mayor, no development



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