It is learnt that the state government is likely to put out the reservation list for Mayor and Deputy Mayor elections in two days.
Among the eligible senior councilor lot of the Congress, 11 names stand out. Six time Councilor and former Deputy Mayor Lancelot Pinto is one among the forerunners. His name had come up for Mayor's post in the past too when Congress was in power. When Shashidhar Hegde became the Mayor, the other prominent name that did rounds that year was of Mr. Pinto. But he had to miss out as Party President Ramanath Rai was in favour of giving Mr. Hegde a shot. But this time, Mr. Pinto is likely to get an opportunity, it is said.
If reservation is meant for Backward Classes – A category, senior Councilor and former Deputy Mayor Harinath will have a strong case to contest. Other possible contestants in the category are Bhaskar K, Abdul Rawoof, Ashok Kumar DK and Deepak Poojary. Appi's name too is doing rounds. She was fielded for the Deputy Mayor's post last time but unlike fellow party-mate Gulzar Banu who became Mayor by chance, Ms. Appi could not beat BJP's Amitha Kala to become Deputy Mayor.
If state government takes the initiative, all procedures with regard to election of Mayors of City Corporations and Presidents of Town Municipal Councils and Town Panchayats can be completed within a week. But since Congress has won in most places, there are chances of the declaration of reservation list being delayed. If Assembly elections are announced, Mayoral elections will not take place since the election code of conduct will be in force. In this case, the MCC will have to function without a Mayor for two months.
The Mayoral elections will then be held only after the election code of conduct for Assembly polls is lifted. Newly elected Corporators will have to take part in the first Council of this term and elect the Mayor. They will be eligible for all facilities meant for Corporators the day they attend the first Council meeting. The five year term of the Council will also begin from the day the first Council meeting is held.
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