Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SS)

Mangaluru, Sep 8: Efforts are underway by the BJP to select the candidate for the Mayoral elections of the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) slated to be held on September 9.

With the Assembly elections likely to be held about seven months away, the party is keen to have a nominee for the mayor's post who has considerable political experience, clout and hold over the matters of the local body besides contributing their might, wealth and time for the upcoming elections. The party is also weighing caste factors and the competence in selecting the candidate for the mayoral polls.

There are two MLAs in the city corporation who will play an important role in the selection of the mayor. State BJP unit president and MP Nalin Kumar Kateel will be holding discussions with the MLAs and party leaders on the selection of the mayor and are likely to arrive at a decision earlier. The party is likely to announce the nominees for the post on September 9 in time before the nomination papers are filed.

This time, the mayor's post will come under the general category and deputy mayor post will be reserved for a woman member of a backward community. All corporators are eligible to become mayors with Sudhir Shetty Kannur, Kiran Kodikal and Sharath among the frontrunners to occupy the mayor's post.

During the last two elections, the mayor's post went to a person from Mangaluru south. It is almost certain that the deputy mayor will be elected unopposed or without any fight for which candidate has been almost finalised.

Premananda Shetty and Sumangala Rao are currently serving as mayor and deputy mayor respectively.