BJP-JD(S) alliance embarks on fresh innings

M J Ravi Kumar of the JD(S) was elected as the 46th Mayor of Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) while Rathna Lakshman of the BJP was elected as Deputy Mayor. Thus, BJP managed to continue its two decade-long truck with the JD(S) in the local bodies of the district, despite Congress’ efforts to replicate the BBMP model of power-sharing, to save face in Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s hometown.

The Mayor’s post was reserved for general category while the Deputy Mayor’s post was reserved for a woman from the general category. However, there was some problem in the elections to the standing committees as the outgoing mayor B L Bhyrappa insisted on a membership in the Taxation and Finance Standing Committee.
The nomination began around 11 am and Ravi Kumar of JD(S) and J S Jagadish (Ward 22) of the Congress filed their nominations for the Mayor’s post. While Ravi Kumar, who represents Ward number 35 (Devaraja Mohalla), polled 42 votes, his rival Jagadish managed to secure 30 votes.

For the elections to Deputy Mayor’s post, Rathna of the BJP pipped her rival C S Rajani (Ward 56) of the Congress by 10 votes. Rathna, who represents Ward number 48 (Rajendra Nagar), received 41 votes, while Rajani got 31 votes. Independent Corporator M D Nagaraju abstained from voting for both posts. Another Independent Shivamma voted for JD(S) in mayor’s election and for Congress in deputy mayor’s election.

Hung council
The JD(S) and the BJP have been sharing power in the hung MCC since four years, forcing the Congress to play the role of opposition. In the 65-member MCC, there are 64 members, following the conviction of JD(S) member Madesh in a murder case. The Congress has 20 members, followed by JD(S) 19, BJP 13, SDPI two, KJP and BSR Congress one each and eight Independents. The lone KJP member Bhyrappa and Independent Corporator Ashwini Ananthu have joined the JD(S), taking its strength to 21.

The BSR Congress member has joined the SDPI and all the three members support the Congress. So, the Congress has 23 votes. Besides, there are three MLAs (M K Somasekhar, Vasu and Tanveer Sait) and an MLC (R Dharmasena) from the Congress. Hence, the Congress had 27 votes in all. The JD(S) has an MLA (G T Devegowda) and three MLCs (Sandesh Nagaraj, K T Srikantegowda and Marithibbegowda) taking the JD(S) tally to 25. The BJP has an MP (Prathap Simha), so it was assured of 14 votes. The JD(S)-BJP combine was capable of getting 39 votes. With the support of Independents, it managed to get 42 and 41 votes respectively for Mayor and Deputy Mayor. The JD(S)-BJP have successfully forged the alliance for the fifth consecutive term.

Minor hitch
The mayor and deputy mayor poll was followed by election of members to four standing committees — taxation, finance and appeals committee; public health, education and social justice committee; town planning and improvement committee; and accounts committee.

The nominations exceeded the number of posts available — seven for each committee — which would have led to election, a long process. Immediate past mayor Bhyrappa was adamant on a post in the taxation and finance committee. As the JD(S) leaders found it difficult to convince him to withdraw, the meeting had to be postponed for post-lunch session. When G H Vanitha withdrew her nomination, a similar additional one, he was forced to withdraw.

The election was conducted by in-charge Regional Commissioner M V Jayanthi as returning officer in the presence of Deputy Commissioner D Randeep and MCC Commissioner G Jagadeesha.