Mysuru: Former deputy mayor Shanthakumari, a second time corporator from ward 32, is the front runner for the mayor post.
As per sources, the Congress is keeping on having Shantakumari as the next mayor. Incidentally, her husband Srikantaiah had occupied the coveted post two decades back when Siddaramaiah helmed the affairs in Mysuru in the JDS.
On Saturday former chief minister Siddaramaiah, after having meeting and dinner with the newly elected corporators entrusted responsibility to MLA Tanveer Sait and former district minister HC Mahadevappa to devise strategy and speak to JD (S) leaders including Tourism Minister SR Mahesh and JD (S) state supremo AH Vishwanath, requesting them to give away mayor’s post for the Congress. During the meeting, Siddaramaiah also called upon the newly elected corporators to take up good works for welfare of their respective constituency.
The Congress activists are upbeat with the former Chief Minister taking the lead in the Congress’ demand for mayor’s post. The mayor post is reserved for General (Woman) and Deputy Mayor Post is reserved for Backward Community (B). Hectic lobbying is being reported in the JD(S) and the Congress house.
Murthy, City Congress President said “We have shortlisted two candidates, Shanthakumari and Pushpalatha Jaganath. Both are able candidates and had served as Deputy Mayor once. Before finalizing the candidate’s name we will also have consultation with the local elected representatives, party supremo and other party leaders.”
Among 24 seats in the constituency, 13 are from the Congress, which is four more than last corporation elections.
Congress leaders say that already there are two ministers including district minister belonging to the JD (S) and hence atleast the JD (S) should make way for Congress candidate to become mayor.
