Bengaluru: Nagapura ward corporator Mr Bhadre Gowda from the JD(S) won the deputy mayor election unopposed on Wednesday. The election was necessitated as former deputy mayor Uma Shankar passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest on October 5. Ms Uma Shankar, also a JD(S) corporator, represented the Kaveripura ward.
Though there was intense speculation over the last few days on the selection of a candidate, Mr Bhadre Gowda filed his nomination as a candidate from the JD(S)-Congress ruling combine. As the BJP did not field any candidates, Mr Gowda, who headed the Standing Committee on Town Planning in 2016, was elected unopposed.
It is said that Mr Bhadre Gowda was handpicked by JD(S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda from among many party candidates who were in the race.
The BJP, meanwhile, said that it desisted from fielding a candidate as independent corporators who had earlier promised to vote for a saffron candidate withdrew their support at the last minute. To avoid embarrassment, the BJP did not field their candidate, a party source said.
Regional commissioner Shivayogi G. Kalasad said he did not receive any nomination except that of Mr Bhadre Gowda. After the election, the newly elected deputy mayor told the media, “I will work hard for the development of the city. Unlike other leaders, I will be reachable to the common people and will address their grievances.”
Elections were also held for the 12 standing committees.
