The stage is set for the 22nd term of the mayor and deputy mayor elections of the Belagavi City Corporation scheduled to take place on February 15, 2024. Regional Commissioner SB Shettennavar confirmed that the elections will commence at 1 pm at the City Corporation office, marking a pivotal moment in the city’s governance.
According to the official announcement by the regional commissioner, the acceptance of nomination papers is slated for February 15, starting from 9 am until 11 am. This period will allow potential candidates to officially enter the electoral fray and stake their claim for the esteemed positions of mayor and deputy mayor.
With the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) currently holding the reins of power in the Corporation, all eyes are on the ruling party’s selection for the upcoming mayoral and deputy mayoral roles. The tenure of the incumbent mayor and deputy mayor concluded on February 6, paving the way for the commencement of the election process.
The mayor’s position has been earmarked for a scheduled caste woman, while the deputy mayor post is designated for a candidate from the general category. In light of this, two women candidates from the scheduled caste background within the ruling BJP are vying for the mayor’s position, intensifying the internal competition within the party.
The contenders for the mayorship, Laxmi Rathod representing Ward No. 35 and Savita Kamble from Ward No. 17, have both been actively lobbying for support within the party ranks.
Speculation suggests that the mayor’s post may witness a smooth transition without the need for elections, as the opposition Congress party lacks a scheduled caste candidate to field against the BJP nominee.
In contrast, the race for the deputy mayor’s position appears to be more contentious, with numerous influential figures, including women, engaged in lobbying efforts to secure the coveted role.
As the deadline for nomination approaches and the political maneuvering intensifies, all eyes remain fixed on the impending mayoral and deputy mayoral elections.